Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has been in strife for “chatting” with referee Jaco Peyper at halftime of the game with the Stormers, while his Waratahs have been in strife for playing well below their ability, and way short of expectations.
Not a positive formula to take on the unbeaten Hurricanes at the New Zealand capital, especially as the home side has never won eight in a row.
And they still haven’t.
Viewers were treated to a cracker of a rugby game, with ball in hand, ferocious tacking, highlighted by the ultimate risk and reward with the Waratahs running out 29-24 winners, and both sides crossing for four tries.
Somehow Cheika performed one of his Houdini coaching feats, despite the minor share of possession and territory.
The Hurricanes ran the ball 138 times to 112, chalking up 683 metres to 478, won the rucks 107 to 76, and missed 21 tackles to 31.
But the Waratahs bit the bullet, as wave after wave of Hurricane jerseys covered the paddock.
And after that rather pathetic 32-18 loss to the Stormers last round, every Waratah stood up and was counted.
Every one.
It was a game the Waratahs had to win, but as Tahs skipper Dave Dennis said post-match, “Not many gave us a chance.”
They didn’t, but between Cheika’s coaching and regaining their mojo, the Waratahs showed why they won the championship last season.
And when the Waratahs went on the attack, everyone played their part. Great rugby.
Israel Folau scored his 22nd try in 36 games, Will Skelton his first for the Waratahs in 32 games, and Wellington-born winger Peter Betham cracked a double in front of family and friends.
For the Hurricanes, openside flanker Ardie Savea was tireless, but he won’t be touching down for a try one-handed any more, as he did in the opening minutes and could well have cost his side the game.
Centres Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith seem to have been playing for generations – Nonu is 32, Smith 33 – but they are both still playing like teenagers.
And congratulations to lock Jeremy Thrush on his 100th – he’s been a loyal servant for the Hurricanes.
But I’ll leave the final word to Canes skipper Smith: “We played a good side, and we weren’t good enough.”
Phantom
Roar Rookie
It would never happen
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Akari ... the Blues will be back, regretfully they will not feature in the playoffs this year ....... again. I had so much hope at the beginning of the year, I thought the 9/10 axis would deliver (not Cowan) with GP and Bryn Hall the form ITM halfback .. Ihaia West backed up by Hickey (I thought they could have persevered with him a little more, Bowden .... this showed plenty of promise - all they needed to do was deliver! The forward pack looked very competitive, an AB front row, locks like Tuipolotu, Retallick, the abrasive Triggs, etc lead by the superman Jerome Kaino with Luatua (who was going to recapture his AB form) and the pest Braid in toe ...... this was going to be the year, our year!... a little lack of depth in the midfield but adequate (I thought .... come back Rene Ranger. all is forgiven) but Saili 'was going to' find his 2013 form, the was strike power throughout the back line with Moela Li, Piutua, Halai, Vinsinia and others, all exciting players ......... what was there not to like? Alas, OK there were/are a few injuries but we have to deal with that like other franchises ........ we didn't. Now we stand so far down the ladder, so close to the bottom, we would never hurt ourselves if we fell. What happened I asked myself for 7 consecutive weeks? .. The big bad wolf blew the house down! Oh well there is always 2016.. Before that though, I am not sure that opponents will like playing the Blues at Eden Park... those matches will not be a 'gimme ' against the lowest ranked NZ conference side.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Sorry 'bout the typos!
Rugby Tragic
Guest
pjm, I think you are right.... its hard enough to get across the line, so to have security when you do must be a priority... not that he had trouble get to the line in that incident
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Yep he's out for 6 months. Who'd want to be an AB first five eight... the position appears to be cursed, Yet Sopoaga might get a look in ... Pecking order to start at this moment I think will be Carter, Slade or Sopoage (if his form remains as good as it is and Shag decided he wants him, but Carter needs to get his confidence back and start playing to the required standard ... efforts like lsat week against the Chiefs simply not good enough. Barrett to be super sub... he owns that position.
Fin
Guest
piru I'm not sure Cheika would either. SANZAR deemed he had breached a rule and not the code of conduct and therefore the suspended sentence doesnot come into the equation. Surely if he does the same thing again ( and is polite about it ) they would have to rule the same way. Mind you, I doubt another ref will let him in.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
The irony of that complaint.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Putting Mortlock with Horan? Haha, almost as laughable as including AAC there even if he did stay in one position. The man is devoid of vision.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Keep up piru you slow poke, I said kiwi thing
piru
Guest
I agree Harry, AAC is incredibly under rated in Australia, I can't understand why. If Wallaby coaches would stop moving him to pinch hit at wing or fullback accomodate the latest 'big thing' and just left him at 13 he'd be spoken of in the same breath as Horan or Mortock.
piru
Guest
Is that the Robbie Deans who has nothing to do with the Canes or All Blacks and hasn't done since 03?
piru
Guest
Hilarious comment as the Waratahs have been the worst for this the last 10 years
RobC
Roar Guru
I wonder if TB will coach next year. Thanks RT. Reds, finally delivered a game plan.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Mate, this year, the comp has more twists and turns than a James Patterson suspense novel. But I don't think the Crusaders cannot afford to lose another game if they want to control their own destiny (otherwise they will be dependant on other results. Not only do they have the Blues (H) and Canes (A) next, they have to play after that - Reds (H), Tahs (A), Canes again (H), Blues (A) then final game of regular season Brumbies (A). If that is not a horror draw then I'll take up following marbles. RibC, they talk the "Pool of death" in the RWC but after dropping 3 of their home games, I reckon the 'Saders road home makes the pool of death look like a picnic. BTW, congratulation on your Reds win... nothing much has been said.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Sorry mate, I don't make the rules, mind you we can all be wrong.. it's just past half way. The NZ sides are going to kill each other and the (My) Blues might do some damage to some of the contenders too. But if results pan out with odds at THIS moment, I think that would be the outcome. Besides, it is possible that the Tahs can beat BOTH the Canes and Chiefs, the have done it before, just not one week after the other! Now that would be a hoot!
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks, but a bit early to call it a revival yet, David.
RobC
Roar Guru
Saders looking bit shaky RT. But their next couple game will be telling. Blues then Canes Chiefs Canes on fire. Landers can pull down SA / AU teams
piru
Guest
*Hurricanes fans. You think anyone in Canterbury or Otago is weeping for the poor Hurricanes?
piru
Guest
Richie's not likely to get a 6 month ban for continuing to break a rule he's been warned about. I assume it will be everyone else's (NZ media) fault if and when he's suspended?
Existentialist
Guest
Apologies Mr. Lord! one two many beers prior to game. (maybe three - eight) Thanks Handles!