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The Waratahs lost Kurtley Beale to a serious knee injury in the first 40 seconds of the Bulls clash at Allianz Stadium last night, but finished on top of the Australian Conference with a gutsy 31-8 win.
How fickle can rugby be?
Beale was medicabbed off Allianz, with the extent of his injury known later today, but it looks like he could be out for 12 months.
He won’t be on duty over the next two weeks when the Waratahs have their real litmus test against the table-topping Crusaders in Christchurch, and the Chiefs at Allianz.
The early loss of Beale stunned the Waratahs, and they took most of the first half to settle into their rhythm with David Horwitz the replacement.
By the second session the Waratahs were in command, with only winger Reece Robinson out of his depth in the game.
Why the fastest man on the field chose to twice kick ahead when the Waratahs were calling all the shots,defied description – Matt Carraro is a far better proposition.
Up front,the Waratahs got better and better as the game unfolded, especially with patience that was lacking early, pushing passes, and turning over possession.
The scrum was good, the lineout better than usual, and the understanding between the forwards was very evident once the pack settled.
The two locks Will Skleton and David Dennis were tireless, Michael Hooper his usual busy self, while Dean Mumm and Wycliff Palu upped their work rate.
But the man of the match was halfback Nick Phipps, who had a blinder. He not only scored two tries himself, but set up Mumm’s try with a perfect pass.
More importantly for the Waratahs future, Phipps was far more positive around the set pieces and in the loose – I only heard referee Glen Jackson call “use it” once.
That in itself was a massive improvement.
As a result the ball kept sweeping along the Waratahs backline in a game that was entertaining to watch, even if it wasn’t clinically correct with far too many penalties in the first half – 15 of them.
With no Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau took on more responsibility. By the look on his face he thoroughly enjoyed linking with the two new boys on the block – David Horwitz and fullback Andrew Kellaway.
Both have loads of talent and will play important roles in the Waratahs’ Super Rugby campaign from here on in.
Last night was a thumbs up performance for the Waratahs, especially losing playmaker Kurtley Beale so early.
Next Friday night in Christchurch will give a clearer indication as to whether the Waratahs are a good side, or potentially a Super Rugby-premiership side.
Scoring four tries last night against a tough Bulls outfit was a perfect lead-in to doing battle with the Crusaders.
That’s the Everest the Waratahs have to climb.