A brilliant second-half midfield bust by Kurtley Beale, and an intercept from Bernard Foley, saw the Waratahs home 31-26 over the Rebels last night at AAMI Stadium.
In a crackerjack game of rugby between the Australian Conference’s two top teams, the Rebels did everything right but win.
The Waratahs literally pinched the victory from the Rebels’ grasp.
The Waratahs led 17-10 at the break thanks to runaway train Taqele Naiyaravoro’s 12th try of the season to equal Israel Folau’s season record.
And who sent him on his way?
Kurtley Beale.
Kurtley Beale (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Will Miler, wearing injured Michael Hooper’s number seven jersey, scored the second, but it was fullback Dane Haylett-Petty’s try in between for the Rebels when he chimed into the backilne that was all class.
Rugby at its best.
But for some unaccountable reason, the Waratahs played the first 25 minutes of the second half as though they were on severe doses of valium.
The Rebel stormed to a 27-17 lead by hitting the Waratahs with the kitchen sink – and some.
It was exciting rugby for everyone bar the Waratahs, and their supporters.
There was no way the Waratahs looked like retaliating as they did back in March at Allianz when they piled on 41 second-half points against the Rebels, that included six tries, to win 51-27.
But the Rebels couldn’t keep Beale and Foley quiet for 40 minutes.
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The Beale bust led to Ned Hanigan’s bulldozing try, while nobody got within cooee of Foley’s 45 metres intercept to touch done under the black dot.
The 14 points in a hurry gave the under-the-pump Waratahs their match-winning lead, but there was plenty of drama yet to surface.
Stung by the sudden Waratah revival, the Rebels again ripped into the Waratahs who had to defend like grim death to survive.
Survive they did or five tense minutes, but it took tons of courage to take a handy four-point Australian Conference lead into the final two rounds before the play-offs.
But how on earth did the Rebels lose?
They ran 605 metres to 385 with Rebel forwards Amanaki Mafi and Matt Philip both covering 97 metres, and their backs Jack Maddocks 83. and Haylett-Petty 54, compared to the Waratahs’ top four – all backs – with Beale 75, Foley 66, Curtis Rona 54, and Naiyaravoro 45.
Curtis Rona of Waratahs. (Photo by Gabriel Rossi/Getty Images)
If those stats weren’t enough the Rebels beat 31 defenders to 17, forced the Waratahs to make 160 tackles to just 99, and won the rucks 117 to 75.
The Rebels owned 57 per cent possession, and the only anti stat were the Rebels 20 turnovers to 11.
The game was indebted to former Reds halfback Nic Berry who refereed both sides evenly, which sure was a pleasant change from the last three weeks.
The penalty count was 13-8 against the Waratahs, which was purely due to the Waratahs giving away far too many bone-headed penalties that very nearly cost them the game.
With all the talent they’ve got, if the Waratahs ever get their act together for 80 minutes, they can still make a genuine noise in this tournament.
But that’s never going to happen, so Waratahs supporters should just enjoy a win against the play.
double agent
Guest
Curious Tyrone that you quote three injustices there and miss the obvious one. The 'Non' knock on by Phillips(?) at halftime that probably cost a try.
double agent
Guest
The Foley high shot another addition to the LONG list of ridiculous interventions by the TMO. Berry should've just said yeah I've seen it but there's nothing in it so let's play on. Absolutely absurd penalty.
double agent
Guest
I love a boot throw. Very common in "grass roots rugby".
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Can see why you’re called Tooly
Fionn
Guest
I can't fathom why Duncan Paia'aua isn't being given a run at 10.
Fionn
Guest
Doesn't have Mortlock's strength in the tackle in defence and definitely didn't have his awesome strength through contact in attack. I still think he has the makings of a fine centre or fullback, but he needs to specialise and specialise soon. I cannot see him ever being a flyhalf.
Fionn
Guest
You're the only person I've ever met that thinks losing from 29-0 up 30 mins in is anything but choking... The Tahs were awesome to get up 29-0 and then were pathetic and embarrassing from there on in. The Rebels lost because they played way too cute when up. Not a choke, but just silly play.
double agent
Guest
Hodge,Stewart and Lance. Not exactly putting their hands up for selection at 10 are they?
double agent
Guest
One of the silliest comments I've seen on here.
double agent
Guest
He wasn't too pedantic when the Waratahs played the Crusaders. More of a laid back,Buddhist type approach to the game.
double agent
Guest
It was ordinary. Those hits are usually penalised these days. That ref was a good match for the game though. I've seen better standard rugby and refereeing at Subbies matches.
double agent
Guest
Ball travelled 50m. 40m of that is once it's in touch!!
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Foley was brilliant as was Beale . Billy Meeks was making breaks but over did his passes and he should never kick .
taylorman
Roar Guru
yeah thats why I thought he'd be cited. Poor finish for the Blues with that hit. Higginbothams face said it all. `
Boonzie
Guest
More Mortlock than larkham
Cynical Play
Guest
I thought it was a card. You? You even know what incident?
Luke
Guest
Completely outplayed by the Irish? Maybe diminished impact due to Irish tactics but hardly outplayed.
taylorman
Roar Guru
yeah dont really get how he misses touch so much. I mean how hard is it to kick a ball over the sideline? Coach should tell him if he misses touch even once he'll be subbed immediately. Watch it fl out every time after that.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yeah that looked rough. Poor lad. Its the last thing his head needed! Great defensive effort from him though. 19 without miss!
Luke
Guest
Played his last game anyways.