NSW coach Chris Hickey applauded his side for making the Super 14 playoffs despite the Stormers’ suffocating defence squeezing the life out of the Waratahs’ campaign in a 25-6 semi-final victory in Cape Town.
The result set up an all-South African final next weekend in Soweto, where the ladder-leading Bulls gave themselves a shot at a third title in four years with a 39-24 win over the Crusaders in the first semi-final.
Impressive Stormers centre Juan de Jongh scored the only try of a scrappy penalty-riddled affair at Newlands.
Five-eighth Peter Grant converted and kicked six penalties, as South African referee Mark Lawrence punished the ill-disciplined Waratahs for numerous infringements in the scrums, lineouts and at the breakdown.
The visiting forwards made little ground through the pick and drive, while the in-form back three of fullback Kurtley Beale and wingers Mitchell and Lachie Turner had limited opportunities.
Poor discipline apart, NSW were unable to capitalise on the occasions they did breach the Stormers’ renowned defence, especially in the second half, where hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, centre Tom Carter and Mitchell couldn’t find team mates near the Stormers line.
“We did make several line breaks and unfortunately we just threw the ball away and we couldn’t build any pressure because we just turned the ball over,” Hickey said.
While the Waratahs failed to emulate their franchise tournament-best effort of losing finalists in 2005 and 2008, Hickey drew some solace from their 2010 campaign and the development of some of their younger players.
“It’s a tough competition and to make the finals in itself is an achievement,” Hickey told AAP.
Hickey, who is set to lead NSW for a third season next year, was guarded about potential personnel changes and which areas of the team needed bolstering.
Their overseas-born recruits, fullback Sosene Anesi and forwards Hendrik Roodt and Cam Jowitt, were largely peripheral figures.
“When we get back to Sydney we’ll have a pretty comprehensive review of the season and as part of that review we’ll look at the playing personnel,” Hickey said
The Waratahs have already re-signed most of their stars for next season, with Wallabies and Waratahs scrum lynchpin Benn Robinson the only big name yet to commit to their 2011 campaign.
Two other front rowers, prop Dan Palmer (Brumbies) and veteran hooker Adam Freier (Rebels), are the only significant losses and neither was a regular starter this year.
At Newlands, Grant kicked two penalties to give the Stormers an early 6-0 lead, but the Waratahs drew level after their pivot Berrick Barnes landed a penalty and a field goal.
NSW paid dearly for fluffing the restart after the field goal, with de Jongh stepping past prop Dan Palmer and Beale and Mitchell.
Up 13-6 at the break, the more disciplined Stormers cruised to victory in the second half, with Grant booting four more penalties.
“In the first ten minutes of the second half, we gave away about six penalties,” Hickey rued.
“We had to be really strong in that period of time to regain momentum in the game … that made it pretty easy for them very hard for us.
“I’ve got no complaints about the referee’s performance tonight.”
Hickey said NSW hadn’t been able to play exactly the style of rugby it wanted to against the Stormers, who had easily the best defensive record in this year’s competition.
“We would have liked to have probably had a little bit more go-forward,” he said.
“Then, off the back off that, I felt we could have been more effective with our play.”
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Yes indeed Mr Hickey, wasn't that kicking positively splendid, we showed the Huns a thing or two eh what! And as for giving away under presure with spilt balls, poor passing options and no-one in support at the breakdown, marvellous, I think we can organise a third party derivative deal on the training video market. First rate old boy! Mr Hickey is a prime example of what talent rises to the top in the protected Sydney Club Scene. He is just going through the motions, and NO, we Brumbies tragics realise that a one-for-one deal with Friend is a no-gainer for both clubs but some of us would like to move forward. Who decided that a coach has to be your bestest ever friend buddy pal. Why won't some of them come right out and say something pithy for once. The Tahs played like they knew the result, all puff and no spine. There was absolutely Zero on-field leadership, no tweaking of a game plan, no exploitation of a weakness, nada, nothing SUSTAINED that says RUGBY. If Dingo hasn't realised it yet someone should tell him that all the rugby players in Australia played for the Force and the Reds and to look elsewhere is to waste his time. And yes there are a few exceptions but this game is a 15 man team effort where they operate as a (slathering, rabid, bloodthirsty) pack, anything else is called league or soccer or onesies or hide and seek or rounders. I fervently hope that a massive broom goes through the Wallaby squad, there are coasters and foxes everywhere. A run on Wallaby squad with: 1 Weeks, 2 Cowan, 3 Daley, 4 Sharpe, 5 Van Humphries, 6 Hodgson, 7 Hiiginbotham, 8 Pocock (C), 9 Genia (VC), 10 Cooper, 12 Faingaa 13 Staniforth, 11 Ioane, 14 O'Connor, 15 Hynes - would put up an excellent effort. PS: I already know this is cloud 9 stuff
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
It's like nobody really cares except for us dullards who are stupid enough to waste our time following these pretenders.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Bay35Pablo - As if I wasn't already feeling bad enough. Then along comes your post and puts me through it all again. Not your fault I know but..........sheesh! How true what you say "Losing doesn’t hurt enough for these blokes. When the fans care more than the players and coaches, somethings wrong." On that point, I think I'd feel better if the coach and the Skipper made a public statement thanking the fans and sponsors for their support and dispense with the PR bullshit. The fans feel emotional and yet the coach only thinks about next year. man we're still grieving over this year!
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
If Hickey was happy with that, he needs his head pulled out of his a$$. Is this the usual cliched "one game at a time" tripe they spout rather than their real thoughts, or does he really think this? What was more concerning was his comment that the tahs had gotten it right 10 out of 13 games this year. Huh? We scraped some games in, and didn't deserve to win. We only played decent rugby in about 5 or so games - Bulls, Lions, Cheetahs, Chiefs and Hurricanes. And the Lions and Cheetahs were so poor we should have been able to play like we wanted! Against the Reds, Force, Brumbies, Highlanders and Stormers we were crap. Against the others poor or average (win or lose). I'd rather have the team in sackcloth and ashes saying they played poorly than this crap. I remember seeing the players after a loss (against the Highlanders or about that time of the season), and when the final whistle went they were all shaking hands with the opposition. Another day at the office. I saw the last few minutes of an NRL game between I think it was Easts and Wests, and the Tigers were gutted when they lost. Losing doesn't hurt enought for these blokes. When the fans care more than the players and coaches, somethings wrong.
Even looser
Guest
No plan B? I'm still trying to work out what plan A was. Surely not the one-off-hit-it-up stuff without support against the best defensive team in the comp? How was that ever going to 'unlock the defence'? Blind Freddy could have told Hickey what to expect from the Stormers, and if that's his best effort at a game plan well it's pathetic rubbish. Forget blaming the Ref (though I thought the Springbok jersey was a tad obvious), the Tahs just didn't turn-up with the sort of intensity required against one of the best teams in the comp, at their home ground and in front of their passionate fans. End of story.
Rickety Knees
Roar Guru
"There are none so blind as those who will not see" Hickey just does not get it. The Tahs had no plan B - they were purile. The Tahs were most fortunate to have won several games through questionable refereeing which has served to mask where they are really at. Wayne Smith has nailed it : http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/cheers-tahs-but-you-lacked-the-courage-of-your-convictions/story-e6frg7mf-1225870282637
The Other Reds Fan.
Guest
If I was a NSW fan I would be alarmed at my team's coach being satisfied with such an inept final's display. He is telling you that you can expect more of the same next year. He should be ropeable and embarrassed and the players should be apologising to you. Heads should roll. Get that big guy from Randwick in at outside centre if you want some 'go-forward'.