An attacking exhibition has seen the Chiefs secure victory over a gallant Waratahs outfit.
Over 70 points were scored tonight as both teams showcased their attacking potency on the park in a bid to keep their respective seasons alive.
After a tight first half where only 21 points were scored, the game came to life in the second half with the Chiefs and Waratahs going blow for blow.
The Chiefs’ 18 point head-start in the first half was simply too much for NSW to peg back however, and so their season officially comes to an end tonight.
The Chiefs meanwhile remain well and truly in the hunt for a finals birth but there will be concerns surrounding their defence.
Despite dominating for large portions of the contest, the Chiefs struggled significantly against a Waratahs side that made plenty of linebreaks against a normally resolute defensive outfit.
Overall, the Waratahs once again proved in attack that they have the weaponry required to test any team in Super Rugby.
Unfortunately, some poor defensive decisions and ill-discipline (two yellow cards) cost them dearly again.
For the neutral fan however, this was a great game of rugby and a great advertisement for Super Rugby’s quality.
PeterK
Roar Guru
you mean since a nz coach took over
cuw
Guest
you guys shud be more worried about the foulplay aspect. it used to be the Brumbies a couple of years ago - who used all the unsavory means to win / disrupt play. now the waraths have taken over in the last two years. lets forget the yello , but look at the silly penalties given . happened a lot in the last few matches and the refs also are partly to blame (Gardener especially) letting go some of the cynical. there was one i recall , where Hooper was well in front of the ruck and then he played the ball. when he was penalized just did his customary shake of the head and sweep of the hair. these are kind of things there is nothing a coach can do about.
MH01
Guest
If Grey keeps his job next year , Australian rugby has major issues. Points against only the sunwolfes cheetahs and rebels are worse. Good defender but an awful coach.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
The players have taught me that after a loss 'we need to move on quickly', so that's what I'm doing. I am over my disappointment at Super level and starting to shift my attention to the Wallabies and wondering how they will go against Fiji, Scotland and Italy. Remembering that Scotland have been a tough nut for us to crack, have they lost players to the B and I Lions that will make life easier for us? Not sure. With regard to the Rugby Championship, probably my greatest interest is to see where we are at compared to Sth Africa. And to be fair, I am curious to see just how good the All Blacks will be. Based on what I'm seeing from their Super teams, in terms of fitness, physicality and skill, it should be something very special.
Rebellion
Guest
Fair call Blinky but the same could be said of All Aus franchises - we just don't have the depth to prop up 5 teams and skills have really fallen off a cliff. The Saffas have the ability to compete in the set piece and tighten up defence with attacking backs like Kriel able to exploit half chances. Ackerman should have a crack
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
As a Tahs fan it hurts me to say it, but the truth is we simply are not good enough and deserve what we get. In nature the zebra with the limb will be seen for what it is and devoured by the lions. Such is life. Having said all of that, I am keen to see what Cheiks can do when he brings the best together. That should / could have us pretty competitive against all but New Zealand and England. For me the Saffers are an unknown quality. If the SA coaches gets their selections and game plan right, they could shock us all and maybe even give the Kiwi's a fright.
Rebellion
Guest
I think Gibson could have another year but Grey has certainly overstayed his welcome as defence coach. It could be a good year in 2018 for the Tahs with a new defensive system and without the likes of Mumm, Phipps and Skelton dragging the team down. Take Hannibal for example - in less than a season he's made more of an impression than Mumm managed in his entire career. Wallabies are short of world class inside centres and the Tahs could definitely do with one of those
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Our finals hopes had gone before today's match. Still too many silly unforced errors, Foley has to share some of that blame. Kicks not going out when they should and kicks staying in when they should go out. Some nice breaks but little support. Missed tackles still up there in double figures. Some players should be looking at going back to their club sides and staying there. I thought Gordon went well and Lucas was good when he came on (both better than Phipps), There should also be changes in the coaching ranks with Grey going and Gibson not guaranteed a place next year.