NSW captain Benn Robinson said his side’s thrilling come-from-behind 34-30 victory over the Sharks on Saturday proved the Waratahs are still alive and kicking this Super Rugby season.
With their backs to the wall after an embarrassing loss to the Western Force last week, the Waratahs avoided their worst-ever start to a Super campaign thanks to a late surge that resulted in winger Tom Kingston scoring with five minutes remaining in front of 18,830 appreciative fans at Allianz Stadium.
A fired-up Tom Carter forced his way over in the 58th minute, to go with an earlier try to Bernard Foley, giving the Waratahs the lead for the first time in the match.
But again the Waratahs were left staring down the barrel of a heartbreaking defeat when Sharks No.10 Patrick Lambie booted his side ahead 30-27 with penalties in the 63rd and 71st minutes.
However, this time the Waratahs found something extra. And a destructive run from lock Dean Mumm, where he spectacularly fended off a couple of would-be defenders, laid the foundation for Kingston’s clincher.
Robinson, in his first-ever match as a captain said the Waratahs showed the fighting qualities that can reinvigorate their chances in the Australian Conference.
“I think history has shown with this side that when the chips are down we really do stand up and we get together and we play for each other,” Robinson said.
“I mentioned it to the boys before the game, we want to go out there and stand by each other and play for each other and 1-22 all players stood up tonight and made a real impact and that’s what we want.
“I got the boys together with about three minutes on the clock left and I said ‘let’s give it all we can.’”
Unlike last week’s disjointed effort against the Force, the Waratahs backed themselves with the ball in the rare Saturday sunshine, and scored four tries to claim a bonus point in their second win for the year.
Halfback Brendan McKibbin was outstanding in his first-ever match in the run-on side – scoring a smart first-half try and kicking five goals from as many attempts.
McKibbin will be hard to drop for next week’s clash in Hamilton against the Chiefs, even with star South African recruit Sarel Pretorius coming from the bench to contribute strongly in the dying minutes.
Coach Michael Foley finally has what he wanted – selection headaches and a team which showed they can play for 80 minutes.
“I thought he (McKibbin) was ever present … I thought some of his decision making was superb, he really played off the back of momentum and then created it at times himself,” said Foley.
“It’s been a tough week but the credit tonight for that result has to go 100 per cent to the players.
“At the end of last weekend everybody was extremely disappointed in the change room, and there was a lot of pressure on the team particularly on the players to perform today.
“There was even pressure within that game that could have easily pulled us apart … but we stayed to what we said we were going to do and I think that’s a massive wrap for them.”
granville
Guest
i said '' the last thing to do is fight ''..............i didnt say Scott starting a fight, Scott had a mouthful of words with the #6 and continued for a few seconds hence '' the last thing to do is fight' '' and i DID NOT SAY ''SCOTT STARTING A FIGHT'', but it does makes a person look like an ass just like that NZ guy @ the Hong Kong 7s, time to get angry and nasty and fight is during the game, not after the whistle then you starting sledging your opponent who just given you and your team a mother of all beating, you he needs to do is get up accept the loss, be gracious in defeat, walk up to the #6 and acknowledge him and his team for a great game.
charles
Guest
Rory, it's just his opinion. As an irregular visitor I'm not aware of persistent negativity, but I think this comment is fair. Or are you of that school that views any criticism, however dispassionate and informed, as an attack?
charles
Guest
Utterly agree, Katipo. See my post below. Memo Tahs admin: You CAN stop the music. If the game doesn,t have enough tension, loud music doesn't add any entertainment value whatsoever.
Redsforlife
Guest
Your comments are extremely negative and I have recorded the match and cannot see any instance at the end when you have commented on Scott Higginbotham starting a fight. There is no evidence of this and for you to label him an ass is ridiculous. Sure the reds did it tough on the weekend but you need to chill out. Sport is made up of winners and loosers and you cannot expect any team to simply win everything. Although a mass of injuries is not an excuse it is certainly a factor.
Rory
Guest
You need to get over yourself James. You are the most negative blogger on this site and I vote you be banned!
Will Sinclair
Guest
Great summary mate - can't disagree with any of that.
soapit
Guest
not to mention what can happen if big forward take the ball hard to the line and then pass. have a look how many tries involve this kind of action and you see the damage it causes. two/three defenders marking the big boys running hard so when they pass it there's immediately space on his outside.
jameswm
Guest
If the Tahs are fair dinkum they will have to face up to a few things: 1. Mumm, one barnstorming run apart, was completely useless for the 2nd time in 3 weeks (and average the other time). He makes no dominant tackles, he goes down like a sack of spuds (well behind the advantage line) going into contact and puts his team under pressure. He doesn't fight at all. His brother's an assistant coach and his dad's on the Board, I believe. Make what you will of that. 2. Love him or hate him, the Tahs play better with Tom Carter there. His workrate and passion are the keys. 3. Horne has been a big disappointment this year. His defence has ben iffy and is alignment in defence, at the difficult position of 13, is totally wrong. At one stage I paused it and got my 12yo to watch what he was doing wrong in defence. He was running sideways aiming in front of the attacker, who naturally enough stepped right inside him. Ever heard of running the J? He doesn't bend the line and he doesn't put people through gaps. As others have said, Kingston is a good all round player, thouygh I wouldn't put him at 13 yet. If Mitchell (or even Pakalani) is back soon, I'd put them to the wing and AAC to 13. 4. The Timanis need more game time. It is a farce that Mumm plays 60-80 and big Timani only 20. And Douglas works his butt off and does some dominant physical work, yet gets the early shower. 5. I think Kepu has stepped up another notch this year. He was very good on Saturday. 6. The Tahs need big Cliffy fit. He made a big difference. 7. Halangahu cn't really play 5/8 again. Barnes was several classes above and if he's not available, I'd play Foley there. Foley is a tough nut for a little guy and really threatens the line. The coaches really need to get their crap together. TPN shows what a big hard running forward getting the ball on the burst can do. The others are stagnant. If you've got static ball, get it to a big guy with a lightening clearout and have another runner on the burst coming off the half. There, you've got momentum and away you go. If I can work it out so easily, why can't our coaches?
granville
Guest
speaking of the Reds, there pack was embarrassing, hopeless, gutless, soft and no desire to play including the Wallabies Captain, there defense was very very embarrassing, we cannot blame the injuries because they had all the time to strengthen there squad in the off season, i tip my hat to the defensive efforts of Lance, if the Wallabies were to be selected this week none of those Reds players would be included and to Scott Higginbotham when you lose by that many the last thing to do is fight because you just made urself look like and ass. Genia has lost his mojo and Tapuai has shown us that he's not a test player, great players shines when your back is against the wall but no one stood up except for Lance throwing himself infront of those bulldozing bulls, Shipperley played his heart out also
p.Tah
Guest
They have iPhones to keep them entertained. I was in a bar recently when a group in their late teens sat at the next table and then spent the following 2 hours on their phones. They actually didnt speak to each other. I thought why did you come out with this group if you wanted to talk to others and why did you bother coming to a bar to do it?
Boonzie
Guest
* chuckle *
Tahman
Guest
Credit where credit is due don't you think mr negative?
Katipo
Guest
Joe, not so worried about Carter. At least he brings some grit and attitude. He has pride in the jersey. Runs hard and straight. But who really cares what happens in the middle of the backline if your fowards arent going forward. Really great to see an the NSW scrum put the shunt on a Saffa pack. That was special.
Katipo
Guest
The loud music is one of the reasons I have stopped going to 'Tahs matches. Traditionally I like to yell and scream and make noise during the breaks. Maybe start a cheer or song or heckle the crowd. And also talk with my friends about the match itself. The breaks are a good opportunity to discuss the game. But I can't be heard over the rock music which in my opinion destroys the atmosphere that the crowd should create on its own. It's not about age or 'the future' that's complete nonsense. I actually love music, and go to concerts for that, but not at rugby games please. I go to rugby games to watch and enjoy rugby. The loud music diminishes my enjoyment. Simple. Stop the music. Start the rugby! Listen to the fans. Wasn't it great to see a match played during daylight. And look at the quality of the game - vastly improved when the players can see properly and the ball is dry!
Hannibal
Guest
I do. God knows the last thing the team needs is an even quieter crowd.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Word is Turner is out for the season & Mitch is hoping to be back sooner rather than later. If I were either of these two blokes I'd be looking and thinking 'crikey will I get selected'?
Big Steve
Guest
Agree as well. i thought cadter was one of the best on the field yesterday he always puts in and his defence is solid. he did alot of cleaning up yesterday taking the ball into traffic when it was spilt or they ran out of ideas. it was great to hear the biggest cheer of the day when he scored.
Joe
Guest
As a kiwi I say keep picking tom carter - please. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
CraigB
Roar Guru
'my 4 year old now loves kicking the Rugby ball'.... Future waratahs superstar, just don't let him run with it :)
Crashy
Guest
Great to see the boys get a win in the sunshine. The crusaders should draw a nice crowd at their next day game. When do we start getting some of the injured players back -elsom and vickerman? Do I assume turner and Mitchell are definitely out for the season?