In what could only be considered a reoccurrence of last year’s efforts, new recruits Israel Folau and Michael Hooper could do nothing to stop the Waratahs from falling on their own sword and losing abysmally to the ACT Brumbies, 35-6.
From the first minute of play, the Waratahs were already demonstrating they had not improved on last week’s problem of discipline and were three points down after a penalty for not releasing was converted.
It became an on-going theme for the next ten minutes, with the Tahs soon trailing 9-0 at the ten-minute mark.
The Waratahs were lacklustre in attack, struggled in defence and failed to put the pressure on the Brumbies at the restarts.
It was a penalty for collapsing the scrum that allowed the Tahs onto the scoreboard, trailing the Brumbies 9-3 at the 15-minute mark; these would be the only Waratahs points until a penalty on the halftime siren.
The Waratahs attack was constantly hindered by dropped balls and poor passes, as well as George Smith’s ability to turn the ball over in the ruck.
Constantly losing the ball, the Waratahs found themselves on the back foot and a dropped ball in their back line lead to a Brumbies kick down field, resulting in Ben Volavola being penalised five metres from the try line.
The Brumbies easily pushed over the Waratahs defence at the lineout and Ben Mowen was over the line, scoring the first try of the match, making the score 14-3 at the 26-minute mark.
Continuing the theme, the Waratahs were unable to gain appropriate metres with penalty kicks and struggled to break the Brumbies strong defensive line.
Yet again the Waratahs failed to hold onto the ball in the ruck and their discipline continued to hinder the side, with the Brumbies using opportunity.
With the Brumbies continually finding holes in the Waratahs defence, Jesse Mogg soon sent Christian Lealiifano over the line with a chip kick through the Waratahs backline.
The score was getting further out of the Waratahs’ reach, now trailing 21-3 at the 34-minute mark.
The Waratahs’ comedy of errors could not be stopped, missing almost every opportunity presented to them. With several penalties awarded to them, the Waratahs never got themselves in a good enough position to score points.
It was not until the 40-minute that the Waratahs earned more points, kicking a penalty, bringing them to the halftime break down 21-6.
With what could only be considered the weekly ‘Michael Cheika Talk’, the Waratahs were to return to the field like every other week, energised and ready to win back the match. This week they failed to even do this, not scoring a point the whole second half.
The Waratahs could not make metres, constantly stopped by the strong Brumbies defence and were unable to convert the Brumbies continuous penalties into points.
For more than 20 minutes both teams struggled to win points, with the Waratahs attacking effort constantly hindered by their poor ball skills, and the Brumbies’ loose play.
However, by the 70-minute mark, the Brumbies had once again won the ball from the Waratahs and were making their way to the line.
The Waratahs scrambling defence ended with Ben Robinson being yellow carded for a professional foul, as well as Brumbies player Ben Alexander for stomping.
Only minutes later the Brumbies pounced on the Waratahs poor handling skills and were finding gaps in the defence, with Henry Speight finding the line and pushing the lead out further to 28-6.
By the last minutes of the game the Waratahs were lacking any attacking flare and a chip kick by Folau only ended with Jesse Mogg catching the ball and finding gaps downfield.
Robbie Coleman then received the offload and at the 78-minute mark and the score was 35-6.
If the Waratahs are to win at all this season a return to basics is urgently needed, as dropped balls and failed passes are only hindering a side that has potential.
Hopefully by Friday the Waratahs will have improved enough to give the fans something to cheer about.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Right on PJ and I sure hope he cuts Mr Mitchell, Mr Barnes, Mr Carter Mr Robertson , Mr Ashley-Cooper and Mr Palu -six players who have been actually REWARDED for under-performing -no wonder they feel entitled to continue in the same vein -GOOD RIDDANCE!!!! :-)
Straight Banana
Guest
Cheetahs must be licking their lips in anticipation of this one! Can anybody enlighten us why it is that the ARU brought Folau in to play union? From what I have seen so far I would prefer having a reserve hooker on the field rather than Folau. He can expect a big "Welcome to SupeRugby" this weekend from the Cheetahs!!! One of those man-mountains running down on him ready to crush him under foot. Going to be an awfully scary situation especially with the Lions carrot dangling just out of reach. The Lions tour must also be affecting the ARU franchises and the fear of injury must be in the back of every bodies minds now. Just look at Pocock and what a disappointment that must be. I wonder who will be next? Waratahs must be careful not to get any injuries against the Cheetahs that could possibly rule them out of the Lions series.
Western_Oppressor
Guest
I think that the idea is that you'd rather have Shipperly, Cummins, or Digby in at wing for the whole game, but today's top level game involves properly put together strategy regarding impact subs. From a sheer playmaking perspective, Folau seems the perfect fit as an impact finisher to go alongside a guy like Mogg or Cooper or whichever one of the legitimate backs that doesn't get a starting spot. You know there's going to be at least 1 or 2 guys with a lot of skill that can provide back line cover, so why not include one guy on the bench who is a potential spark?
Malo
Guest
Agree Winston he has been disappointing but agree with Dave he can improve with confidence as it is rather low at the moment and he has not been an unmitigated disaster. PS I was concerned how he let that try in on his wing though, he is not a winger. Still time for Folau for a test jersey but needs to up it quite a bit.
Mantis
Roar Guru
I know the ARU are all about putting their league converts in Gold to show off what they have paid for (some more deserving than others), but if Folau doesnt improve his game, the ARU wouldn't pick him. Not even they could justify it. He has been terrible.
winston
Roar Rookie
Well he's looking a bit like a financial disaster for the ARU. How can you honestly (and objectively) think that he deserves a wallaby jumper. Is he the best wing, centre or fullback in Aus. Cause that's what he needs to be.
Dave
Guest
Folau, after 3 games, isn't standing out, clearly. But he's hardly the unmitigated disaster you make him out to be. Try taking off those red-tinted glasses sometime and looking at things with a little bit of objectivity. You might find it refreshing. I know I would....
Justin2
Guest
Folau should be nowehere near a Test jersey. He shouldnt even make a B Team...
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Why would Folau be in the 22 over other options? what has he shown that the others haven't?
Stin
Guest
Not at all, but Robbie could still decide to have Mogg and Folau in the 22 together, should that be the 'ARU directive'.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
So you'd pick Folau over Digby, Tomane, Shipperley, Cummins, JOC etc?
Stin
Guest
Mogg and Floau wouldn't necessarily be playing the same position anyway....
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Don't try and get it, mania. This is Australian rugby. I thought Mogg had a very good game. He popped up when you needed him too, he kicked exceptionally well, he chose the right option (Kick, Run, Pass) more often than not. He wasn't tested much in defense but you can't blame him for the Waratahs inability to break the line. At this stage I'd prefer him over a fit Beale to be honest. Smith was great and it'll be interesting to see if he can keep going all year long. He'd be valuable to have in the squad even if he doesn't start. Such a cool customer.
mania
Guest
i dont get it jiggles. even tho mogg had a quiet game in comparison to his other 2 this season he had by far a better game and contributed more to his team than folau. i saw folau toucvh the ball twice and he didnt make ground in either runs, in fact the 1st one he got driven out in touch i know ARU will most likely want folau in for the all the money they're paying him under the table but why do these league converts get rushed into the WB's when they're no where near ready and dont deserve it? ps and didnt georgeSmtih play great? shame for WB's he's not eligible for this season
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Mania I have money on Folau featuring more than Mogg in the Lions tour. The ARU needs the public to know it is getting a return on its investment....
mania
Guest
I'm wondering whether ppl are still wanting folau in the WB's? surely mogg must be the front runner now. cheika's got his work cut out for him. its hard to uncoach a culture, esp one thats been acepted and ingrained as longs as tahs culture has existed.
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
Interesting article on the game Britt. My opinion is still that the Tahs have some pains to go through. Remember this is pretty much the same squad as last year, so with that in mind, how can you turn that around in a year? White had the luxury of a lot of the old guard leaving, enabling him to pick a bunch of hungry fringe players (BTW I am formulating an article on this). At the end of this season the Tahs have what 29 players off contract? This is the time Cheika can get the squad he wants. And quite frankly, it will be the players that want to stay on that will perform this year. And the reason we will see players that are looking elsewhere not. Either way, IMHO we won't see change until the squad turns over, and this will not happen until next year. The Tahs need hunger and cohesion....