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The Waratahs came to Taranaki on a mission to chalk up their first win in New Zealand in four years.
With the brutal reception the Crusaders handed the Force the night before, the south island’s winter weather, New Zealand teams are geared to offer a brutal reception.
The Chiefs got on the scoreboard first with a penalty. The Waratahs backs countered and launched a raid that eventuated in a calmly slotted penalty by Bernard Foley.
The men in blue showed intentions to run the ball early as Adam Ashley-Cooper caused the Cheifs defence constant headaches, often breaking the line with his trademark fend.
The Waratahs were first over the chalk with a an impressive display of backline cohesion. Ashley-Cooper found a front rower opposite him in phase play, burnt him off, and drew the fullback to put Israel Folau away. New Zealand commentators lauded the execution of Cooper, as Folau scored record 11th try of the season.
As the end of the first half loomed, the Chiefs responded as tireless flanker Sam Cane and ever-present breakdown menace Liam Messam the Chiefs used a disciplined pick and drive game to open up the Waratahs. Bundee Aki scored a try to reel the Waratahs back within striking distance.
The Waratahs were hitting harder in the breakdown area near the end of the first half and both sides played were playing at a frenetic pace.
Ashley-Cooper was having a game that would lock down the outside centre spot for the French Tests. The Wallaby back looked dangerous every time he had the ball before eventually being double-teamed by the Chiefs to nullify his threat.
As the second half began the Chiefs wrestled themselves back into the game. After working their way back into the Waratahs’ quarter, fullback Tom Marshall grubbered the ball through to give Aki his second try and take the lead for second time, 17-16.
The Watartahs called for replacements and the fresh legs, and extra kilograms, paid off immediately as they found more structure to their play. They launched balanced attack from halfway and industrious work in the middle from replacement forwards Seope Kepu and Will Skelton had them camped in their opponents half.
Tatafu Polota-Nau launched into Sam Cane to force a quick turnover. As the Chiefs scrambled backwards, Nick Phipps quickly cleared the ball to Dave Dennis and the Waratah captain sprinted down the blind side to score an inspirational try in the corner.
Patient build-up running into the last minute reaped rewards for the Waratahs, as Foley skidded over out wide giving Michael Cheika’s men a bonus point try.
The final whistle blew with a 33-17 scoreline.
Foley (3/3) and Kurtley Beale (1/1) had another great night with the boot for NSW, with many of the kicks being taken from the sideline.
The win solidifies the Waratahs place at the top of the Australian conference. Are the perennial under-achievers of Super Rugby on a march to the final?
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.