Israel Folau was back to his scintillating best with a hat-trick of tries at Bloemfontein overnight as the Waratahs bumped the Brumbies off the top of the Australian Conference with a 58-33 domination of the Cheetahs.
Folau ignited a Waratah backline that bristles with Wallabies, but all too often they don’t measure up to their undoubted ability.
With Folau on fire in assisting three other five-pointers, eight of the nine tries were scored by Waratah backs – two to winger Matt Carraro, and one each to outside centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, Taqele Naiyaravoro and pivot Bernard Foley – with Michael Hooper the only forward on the score-sheet.
The Waratahs had two targets in mind in the rarefied air of Bloemfontein – win with a bonus point.
Mission accomplished.
Having said that, this vital game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, with the Cheetahs playing the same entertaining game as the Waratahs, but not as well.
As a result there were 14 tries, with four of the Cheetahs’ five tries scored by backs as well with winger Cornal Hendricks and centre Francois Venter crossing for two apiece.
The Waratahs’ downside to the Cheetahs’ first two tries when they were down 12-0, was Hendricks running around Hooper to set up the first try by Venter, and moments later Hendricks scored his first after a wayward Wycliff Palu pass was intercepted.
That gave the Cheetahs a 14-12 lead against the run of play, and they also led 21-17 after 28 minutes, following the Boom Prinsloo pushover try.
Even though the Waratahs regained the lead 29-21 right on half-time, the Cheetahs always looked ready to pounce as their forwards dominated the set play.
And that was the case throughout the second half, but any Cheetah mistakes were turned into Waratah points, and that was game, set, and match.
In an after-match interview, Waratahs skipper Dave Dennis was asked if his side could retain the championship.
“Yup,” was all that was needed.
Next up for the Waratahs will be the old enemy Reds before the final make-up of the top six will be known, while the Brumbies clash with the Crusaders.
The Super Rugby table after 15 rounds at the time of writing, with these six teams assured of a finals berth, the final round to determine the order.
Conference leaders
Hurricanes – 62 points from 13 wins and two losses.
Waratahs – 47 points – 10 wins, five losses.
Stormers – 43 points – 10 wins, four losses.Next three
Chiefs – 48 points – 10 wins, five losses.
Highlanders – 48 points – 10 wins, five losses.
Brumbies – 47 points – nine wins, six losses.QF1 will be Team 3 playing Team 6.
QF2 will be Team 4 playing Team 5.SF1 will be Team 1 playing the lowest ranked qualifier.
SF2 will be Team 2 playing the highest ranked qualifier.
John
Guest
The quality of players around him make Folau look good and create the opportunities for him. No disregard but put him in the Force lineup and see if comes up trumps. Examples Beale and JoC went to the Rebels. Went backwards and couldn't get out quick enough.
riddler
Guest
zg.. agree to disagree.. :)
Winnie
Guest
On this thread you are right however on the other thread where I made my original comment it was much broader. I think now lads it's time you let it go... The point i raised was proven in part by the Hurricanes coaches comments. Also I said I think they would and that the Tahs are the best chance of winning the competition for Australia. Sorry to have wound your springs so tight fella with a comment on an opinion site.
cs
Guest
Agree Mike; that's the closest yet to the truth of the dynamic of Izzy's form.
cs
Guest
How true. It was just like when the Reds scored all those tries against the Cheetahs ...oh wait ...
John
Guest
Lol except against the Brumbies in Sydney when Folau single-handedly won the game for the Tahs. Get AAC out of the way and he fires.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Ryan winnies FIRST comment on the thread related ONLY to the reds. Hence his comment re canes is utter rubbish in this context. See it below Winnie said | June 7th 2015 @ 8:45am | Report comment I think the Reds will lay down and take one for the collective team here (Australian Rugby). The Waratahs are the best chance of winning this competition outside of Australia and you can guarantee the powers that be know this. A Waratahs home final is imperative.
Zero Gain
Guest
You are far too critical of QC, like many on here. He actually went OK and defended soundly. I watched a recording of the game too. He did manage the game as best he could, as shown by the long period in the first half when the Reds dominated. But when the Chiefs turned up their effort in the breakdown it became quite difficult for Cooper who was always on the back foot. The Reds have a few problems at the moment but QC isn't one of them.
Mike Burnett
Roar Rookie
Perhaps your causality is reversed? When the Waratahs fire, Folau fires. When his team is playing poorly he looks confused and vulnerable.
Joe
Guest
The Tahs will win with a bonus point so the Brumbies result is irrelevant
Willy Wonga
Guest
Would I be out of place assuming that bennolong is a Waratahs supporter? "At their best they are the most machine-like team in the comp and can dominate in defence and attack" - Pheew bold statement "In our comp everyone knows you have to slow down the ruck ball to beat the Tahs" - The Tahs are angels especially at the breakdown! Lets face it the Waratahs will finish 2nd on the table because: 1. They have more wins than the Brumbies who are average at the best of time 2. There is no other competition in the Australian Conference 3. The SA teams are busy beating each other that it is only because of the conference system that they have a team in the finals.
Norm
Guest
Anyone can look good when you have no competition. The Reds showed that the other week against the Rebels.
RobC
Roar Guru
I probably study the Tahs and their games more closely than most Tahs supporters. Partially because they are my 3rd fav SR team, after Reds and Lions. Last week Tahs were carded twice, with a dysfunctional lineout. These severely limited their opportunities This week, no cards, and good LO. Many from which launched their raids and points.
Ryan
Guest
Peter I implore you to go back and read the original comment he made re the scenario where he actually made a blanket statement covering all the teams, fact remains he was right in part of his assumption / speculation. After hounding them mercilessly yesterday you just can not bring yourself to admit that it could happen. It's not a case many teams would take up however wether it's dropping a game or allowing bonus points the outcome remains the same. One team gains an advantage over another as the table will be affected due to the conscious actions of a team / coach.
Sammy
Guest
PeterK is right. Last week Folau dropped the ball, missed tackles and didn't score any tries. Result: The Waratahs lost. This week: Folau scores tries, makes offloads and doesn't drop balls. Result: The Waratahs win. Folau is the difference to the Waratahs winning or losing. Why can't the rest of you non-Blue supporters see that?
Sam
Guest
The Cheetahs defense would have made anyone look good. All they had to do is catch the ball and run at them and they fell over.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Chicken or the egg.. I'd argue when the Waratahs fire and get Folau time and space, Folau fires.
Joe
Guest
That's a bit harsh PeterK. Careful they may say the same about the Force, Rebels and Reds or the Blues.
PeterK
Roar Guru
ryan - what is rubbish is saying it is the same thing as his proposition is that the reds will lay down for the tahs for the sake of aust rugby. This is not a valid comparison in that there is no self interest for the reds. What do they gain out of it? The canes suggestion benefits them, as what the bulls did when they rested players.
Ryan
Guest
I would say he is bang on and that there is nothing rubbish about it, it's there in black and white for everyone to see. Interpret as you will, the Hurricanes coach-Boyd has admitted the fact they did look at possibly influencing finals standings. The Hurricanes and Highlanders would both initially gain an advantage out of the scenario. Highlanders home advantage for their final and the Canes; who would potentially get a easier semi final opponent in the Highlanders. It is a little arrogant of Boyd to suggest maybe that the Highlanders aren't as good as the Chiefs.