The NSW Waratahs kept pace with the ACT Brumbies on Saturday, recording a big bonus-point win over the Sunwolves.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Sunwolves 12
Waratahs 57
The Waratahs will make the trip to Japan this afternoon to do battle with the Sunwolves in a huge game for the Australian conference. Join The Roar to catch all the thrilling live action and highlights from 3:15pm (AEST).
The Waratahs have the chance to overthrow the Brumbies at the top of the Australian conference standings this afternoon, in what is turning out to be a do or die battle for a finals spot.
Despite a slow start to the year, the Tahs bounced back before the June break, winning five of their last six games to cruise up the standings.
Needing a big bonus point win to surpass the Brumbies at the top of the mountain, the Moondogs could be the perfect victims.
The Sunwolves have had a pretty rough initiation into Super Rugby, winning just a single game all season, leaving them hanging desperately at the bottom of the barrel.
Team news
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has made three changes to his game day squad from their last fixture a month ago.
Wallaby halfback Nick Phipps has been shuffled to the bench after a highly criticised performance during the Test series against England. Matt Lucas has been promoted into the starting 15 in his stead.
Taqele Naiyaravoro will slot into the back line on the wing, replacing New Zealander Zac Guildford.
Wycliff Palu has been put on the bench in an extended reserves list for this afternoons game, with Jack Dempsey moving into blindside flanker.
The Sunwolves have become a bit of a cult favourite among the Super Rugby fanbase, but their results have left a lot to be desired this year.
The Waratahs are in a do or die situation with the Brumbies at the moment, and victory in every remaining game is a must, so expect a driven and purposeful Waratahs side to take the fight to the Japanese side.
Despite being on the road, it should be a decisive win from the Tahs this afternoon… should be.
Waratahs to win by 22
pjm
Roar Rookie
I think he's still in denial.
Tinman
Guest
No John. No.
John
Guest
Folau untouchable, again showing he is the best 13 (and player) in the world. Trust you enjoyed it TWAS!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Nice... but do the Kings count for... ??
Machooka
Roar Guru
Obviously it's Joker...
Chivas
Guest
anybody blogging canes and blues?
Connor Bennett
Editor
Great minds think alike mate
Sqn Cdr The Lord Flashheart
Guest
Seems like Brumbies hold top on the back of more wins
Connor Bennett
Editor
I thought Lucas was one of the best on the park today, really made it difficult for Phipps to regain that run on spot, especially after all the flack he copped in the England series. Hope it's nothing serious, good young player
Connor Bennett
Editor
They have taken over the Highlanders in the Wild Card spot for the time being though
Joker
Guest
Time to watch a real game now in nz
Connor Bennett
Editor
I think Brumbies might still be top spot because they have one more win, I'm seeing a table that still has the Waratahs behind despite a better points difference
Joker
Guest
England lucky they've left, we'd have em now. Good to see some wallabies get a win it's been awhile.
Joker
Guest
Good to see the wallabies in the team firing and playing well, especially Skelton he was like a mad man.We're ready for the Abs.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Clinical Connor... I said 'clinical', so we must be both right eh :)
Connor Bennett
Editor
» Click here to read the full match report 9 tries to zip is a telling story for both side, but it's the fact that the Waratahs had 7 different men cross the line really shows how much of a team performance this was across the park
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks Connor for da call... well done Tahs for a clinical result, in very warm temps, against a courageous Sunwovles outfit. Hope Lucas is OK... didn't look good though. Nice to see Dempsey adds real punch. And also that will Skelton is only a 20 mins man at best... in 30 degree heat.
Connor Bennett
Editor
11 is their record at the moment. Against the poor old Kings back in 2013
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Game over. Clinical display for the Waratahs, who needed exactly that in their pursuit of top spot in the Australian conference. Another spirited display from the Moondogs as always, but just slipped away in the second 40 after a bright opening half hour to the game Waratahs - 57 Sunwolves - 12
Connor Bennett
Editor
They weren't that far behind I don't think so this might be enough to get them top spot