The NSW Waratahs have outclassed the Brumbies 26-8 in a tense Super Rugby derby to set up a blockbuster final with the Crusaders.
Almost 40,000 fans packed into Allianz Stadium to see the Waratahs grimly defend their fortress and convert their only three try-scoring opportunities to earn a first title decider in Sydney.
After losing their only two previous finals to the Crusaders, the seven-time champions once again stand in the Waratahs’ way of an elusive maiden championship after thumping Jake White’s Sharks 38-6 in Saturday’s first semi in Christchurch.
But unlike 2005 and 2008, the Waratahs will host the decider at ANZ Stadium next Saturday night after the minor premiers extended their club-record winning streak to eight matches with a spirited victory over the Brumbies.
With pedantic South African referee Jaco Peyper taking firm control, the Brumbies, with their superior set piece, relished the dour, Test match-style of game.
Even after falling behind 16-8 early in the second half, the Brumbies dominated possession and territory and threatened throughout the final quarter to end the Waratahs’ season of hope.
But with inspirational captain Michael Hooper, powerhouse lock Jacques Potgieter and halfback Nick Phipps outstanding, the Waratahs hung on, with five-eighth Bernard Foley clinching the win with a late penalty goal and converted try.
Despite the end scoreline, the Waratahs had to pull out all stops in a tense second half, with Phipps’ desperate try-savers on Brumbies pair Tevita Kuridrani and Scott Fardy telling.
The Brumbies’ defeat was their first playoff loss to Australian opposition and left the ACT outfit one win short of matching their run to last year’s final.
Contesting their first semi-final in four years, the Waratahs made a dream start with winger Alofa Alofa swooping on a wayward pass from Brumbies halfback Nic White and racing 60 metres to score in just the third minute.
Foley missed the conversion attempt but the Waratahs continued to dominate the early exchanges, and he increased their lead to 8-0 with a 22nd-minute penalty.
On the back foot, the Brumbies used their powerful scrum to gain a foothold in the match, with Peyper pinging the NSW scrum three times and also awarding the visitors a couple of other bewildering penalties.
After laying siege to the NSW tryline, they cashed in on the half-hour mark when five-eighth Matt Toomua put winger Henry Speight over in the corner.
It seemed the two sides would go to halftime locked up at 8-8 after Christian Lealiifano slotted a penalty goal a minute before the break, but Foley replied after the re-start to keep the Waratahs three points ahead.
The Tahs pushed out to 16-8 in the 47th minute when Kurtley Beale dispossessed Jesse Mogg, prompting Brumbies coaches Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher to hook the fullback.
It was all over when Foley, to the roars of the rapturous crowd, dived over after accepting a beautiful one-arm short pass from cult hero Will Skelton five minutes from fulltime.
“We talked before the game about how we had to take our opportunities,” Hooper said.
“Defence wins you games and it was really good tonight.”
The Waratahs haven’t beaten the Crusaders since 2004 and have lost their past 11 encounters with the champion New Zealand team.
“As a team, you want to beat the best,” Hooper said.
“We haven’t played the Crusaders this year and, if we knock them off, we’ll deserve to lift the trophy.”
Magic Sponge
Guest
POTS should be a Springbok
stillmatic1
Guest
or we are sick of the hyperbole. you know, the rubbish that you lot like to call confidence. unfortunately you corporate types just don't seem to know where your place is...................
Kuruki
Roar Guru
James the Crusaders side of round 4 and the side they have now is completely different.. Nemani Nadolo has basically changed the whole dynamic of the backline. The criticism of that round four team and effort was warranted, do you think Blackadder was patting them on the back?? he would have been harder on them then anyone else.
ben
Guest
What do you think about that comment by buzzard...buzzard...oh you are buzzard...
Colin Kennedy
Roar Guru
Forsooth, speak English man :-)
jameswm
Roar Guru
They played running rugby when they got the chance, but they didn't get the chance very often in the first 60. They certainly did not run it willy nilly. No doubt the Tahs would be up against it big time if it was in Christchurch. But it isn't. I've seen polls where 80% of people think the Crusaders will win.
Bunratty
Guest
"I don’t get the Tahs being the big underdogs. The Tahs are at home and have been winning all season. On Sat night, it was like two brothers playing each other, with the tough little brother who’s sick of losing niggling, scrapping, trying anything (legal or illegal) to win. In the end though, the big brother was too big, too strong, too fast and too good. " yep, nice analogy!
Bunratty
Guest
Don't forget underdogs can always get inspiration from 'punt Bama punt' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punt_Bama_Punt) and one reason why those silly Wallabies always show up for their Bledisloe heartbreaks. :)
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Are you referring to Busthard above? I'm sad for him. :( I'll bet he had one of those 'oh no' moments after hitting the Add Comment icon. :)
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
Yes Sixo indeed it has. Nice of you to bring that up mate. :( Regardless our guys will be up for it, and as they say 'they won't die wondering'. ;)
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Well, considering the Sharks couldn't field any of them it didn't need to be any more than average. He has a great punt when playing for territory.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I don't remember this theory jiving so well when it came to France and England, but I digress. The Waratahs have home advantage. That should make them the favourite. If they were playing in Christchurch, I think they'd be up against it. The nature of the win over the Brumbies was not what we were lead to believe the Waratahs were all about. They played finals football, but we were told the world desperately needed them to play running rugby.
Paul
Guest
Aussie can get NZ social security in NZ
GC
Guest
Can everyone please stop these clichéd rants about NZ and Australia.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
It'll be lower considering there won't be any Brumbies fans there.
PeterK
Roar Guru
because the unemployed kiwis go back to nz since they can get benefits there. Non seqeuteur logic used by you
DMac
Guest
You kiwis really feel threatened if anyone dares suggest another rugby team might be *gasp* as good as one of yours, don't you?
DMac
Guest
And certainly if the Aussies and Saffas need to learn humility we know right where to turn, eh? You kiwis are such great models....
DMac
Guest
Oh dear.
Leon
Guest
that why we should be BS a lot on our tax return so we can make up for this. Why should my tax dollars be spent on aussie dole bludgers. ' ps. other should look up the unemployment rate of NZers working in Australia and Aus citizens before you mouth off. We work harder than you lot