Roar Guru
The Waratahs have finally broken Australia’s longstanding streak of losses to New Zealand sides, smashing the Highlanders by 29 points.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Waratahs 41
Highlanders 12
The Waratahs hosts the Highlanders Saturday night at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:45pm AEST.
The Waratahs have only won two matches against the Highlanders in the past seven years. During his tenure Daryl Gibson’s boys had no luck against two different coaches – beaten by 4 points by Jamie Joseph’s team.
Joseph left for Japan. He was replaced by Tony Brown who’s Highlanders handed a 16-point beating to the New South Welshmen. Tony Brown also left for Japan.
Since their rocky start to the season, New South Wales have steadily improved and played much more consistently.
In the last two matches, many New Zealand Super Rugby fans had their hearts in your mouth during the final stages, facing the prospect of the first team to lose to the Australians. It will probably be the same this week.
This season, the Highlanders have been vulnerable playing away. Moreover, their kick-chase may be backfire against altitude operators such as Israel Folau and the Waratahs multiple counter attackers, lead by Kurtley Beale.
While this is the first year as Highlander mentor, Alan Mauger (pronounced “Major”) is no novice. His coaching experience spans a good part of a decade, including a two-year stint as head coach for Leicester Tigers in UK. He continues to keep the Highlanders excitement and scoring machine dangerously humming.
Prediction
The bookies’ odds are against the Waratahs. But I’m calling against it and anticipate a Waratahs upset – assuming Bernard Foley kicks the goals he is supposed to.