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The NSW Waratahs’ long-awaited season opener against the Reds was far from an accomplished performance, and they’ll be looking to improve when they host Melbourne Rebels tonight. We’ll have live commentary from 7.20pm AEDT.
They spent the first hour seemingly unable to control their synaptic spasms, either passing the ball into the ground or running about the field with some form of mild hysteria.
Yes it was generally rudderless, and at times it was gruesome.
Yet it was undeniably wonderful, for all Waratahs fans would have recognised it as a genuine turning point for their team.
It was clear as the day is long that they were trying, really trying, to play some rugby.
Like changing an old golf swing, you’re going to get worse before you get better.
And in between fumbles and bumbles there were some great moments.
Folau bent low to score a try after a team mate did his best to throw the ball directly to the code-switcher’s studs.
Outside of that play it must be said Folau was a bit of a liability, at one point getting rolled at fullback to concede a try and was generally bullied around the field.
In context, Sonny Bill Williams took a few seasons in France and Canterbury before he became this generation’s most potent player.
Folau was always going to struggle early and his flaws will only enhance the interest factor for fans.
Throw the dice and see which dots fall upwards.
Bernard Foley had a solid game at fly half and executed well, however a potential game-breaker in young upstart Ben Volavola showed he has a bit of Elton Jantjies to him and may push for the starting spot come round four or five.
On to the Rebels, who will be looking to make amends after their 30-13 loss to the Brumbies at AAMI Park last week.
They were deconstructed by a forceful Brumbies team and a brilliant Jesse Mogg, the best player in the country this year.
While they got off to a good start the Brumbies sucked the life out of them and scored 18 unanswered points in the second half.
It wasn’t all bad news: Scott Higginbotham managed to control his impulses and survived the game without being sent off by the referee. Not even once.
Beale started well but copped a shoulder injury and lost impact on the game. He is starting tonight alongisde his mate James O’Connor, who received ‘just a concussion’ – a curious turn of phrase as loosely prescribed by his coach.
Let’s hope to see Japanese hooker Shota Horie run on again; he got a big roar last week and will no doubt bring a few more cheers if he gets a guernsey. He was moved to comment.
“The fans and players have been very welcoming,” Horie said.
“When I ran on I could hear just how much support there is for me in Melbourne. The physicality of the game is new to me, Super Rugby players are very strong, and I felt that out there.”
On to the stats; and head-to-head it’s pretty ugly reading for the Rebels at zero wins from four games, with some fairly heavy defeats amoung them.
The Waratahs have been talking changes, and we saw last week they meant it.
It’ll be very interesting to see how they back up tonight against a similarly spirited outfit in the Rebels.
Join us at 7.20pm AEDT tonight on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.