It could be a long five weeks for Australia’s Super Rugby sides after the NSW Waratahs joined the Queensland Reds as first-round fodder for New Zealand opposition in the inaugural trans-Tasman tournament.
Winless in the recently-completed Super Rugby AU competition, the Waratahs endured a ninth straight defeat on Friday night, succumbing 64-48 to the Hurricanes in a Sydney try-fest.
The SCG shellacking came after the newly-crowned Australian champion Reds suffered a 40-19 drubbing at the hands of the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The pair of heavy defeats, coming against New Zealand’s bottom two finishers in Super Rugby Aotearoa, is an ominous sign for Australia’s five franchises – especially the Waratahs.
Once a Super Rugby powerhouse, the Tahs face the grim prospect of going through an entire season winless for the first time after failing to convert a first-half lead against the Hurricanes into a desperately-needed victory.
Wooden spooners in the Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Hurricanes piled on 52 points after trailing 17-12 midway through the first half.
Salesi Rayasi is tackled. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The last-versus-last encounter was hardly a spectacle for defence, with 90 points amassed in the first hour alone.
A Harry Johnson-Holmes second-half double – which made the 24-year-old the Waratahs’ most prolific try-scoring prop in history with nine five-pointers – at one point pulled the home side back to within nine points of the Highlanders.
But with Jordie Barrett, Dane Coles, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Brayden Iose, Pepesana Patafilo and Asafo Aumua all crossing the stripe to follow doubles for Billy Proctor and Julian Savea, the Hurricanes were always in control.
Jack Maddocks’ long-range effort for the Tahs after the fulltime siren was the 17th try of the match.
“Attacking wise, we’re starting to hit our straps,” said Waratahs captain Jake Gordon.
“We’re still leaking far too many points and giving away too many silly penalties.
“But we’ve got to take the positives.”
Bobbles
Guest
LOL they only thing Swinton smashes is meat pies.
Ace
Guest
Rennie look at these clowns conceding 64 points .. you cannot select any of these tahs in your Wallabies.They are deadset turnstiles..
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Oops, yep, wishful thinking perhaps? :silly:
stillmissit
Roar Guru
I am in the Southern Highlands and might take the drive down to watch it..
jeznez
Roar Guru
Walton still injured. SMH story last week about Matera wanting to play for the Tahs said he's still a couple of weeks away. Ramm also injured but I don't think has been in anywhere near the form he was last year so I'm in no rush to see him back quickly I'm keen to see Reilly be given more of a run, don't think he's let us down in his limited minutes and hasn't been given enough time to show us what he can do.
Martin English
Roar Rookie
There’s an old sports saying that you learn more from a defeat than a win … unfortunately, the tags seem to be intent on testing this saying. – meaningless kicking – windmill defence … The canes were only marginally better. I can’t imagine the cricket score that the Crusaders or Brumbies would have put up against a side defending like either the Tahs or Canes. Edit: I have tickets for Waratahs v Crusaders up in Wollongong … not sure if it was money well spent ????
Republican
Guest
Why is there continued interest in these ground hog day contests i.e. Australia v NZ Union? Are all the Aussie supporters actually Kiwi ex pats incognito?
Its not just him SMST. I think the standard hasnt been good this year or last....
jeznez
Roar Guru
Fekitoa would be very handy! You mean Foketi - thought he looked a bit slow last night but very willing and did well in contact.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Describing yourself Realist? I remember you got upset when I suggested they play Reilly.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Was that second half? I saw him get some excellent shots on in the first. Both tackle and cleanout. Expect he’ll have some time on the bench anyway with Warren-Vosayaco coming in. Unless they want Rahboni in midfield.
Tycoch22
Roar Rookie
Think tgackling was actively discouraged, not just optional.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
The Tahs seemed to have some seriously committed tacklers in tight, let down by some terrible tacklers out wide and nonexistent defensive structures. Perhaps Perese and Fekitoa need to swap just to add some structure, because Perese made poor decisions all night defending his channel, and they can still use Fekitoa for hit ups the way Kuridrani gets used? I thought HJH had one of his best games in both attack and defence, particularly how much he went looking for the ball in attack. Not the biggest fan of Swinton, but he put in a good shift too. I still think Nawaqanitawase’s best position is FB, but he needs some aggression in contact and confidence in his decision making. Agree on Donaldson, Harrison might struggle to get his jersey back!
stillmissit
Roar Guru
T.Coker: I am hoping that Rennie tells all SR teams to focus on their D, if it hasn't already dawned on them. Then let's progress to passing and catching under pressure.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Troy C: I agree and that is not just an old man looking backwards you can watch those old games and judge for yourself.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Jako, Kev and DA: I agree with all these sentiments and although I have been a supporter of Berry, it was not his finest hour and a bit last night.
ChickenGeorge
Guest
Bet you a carton of Grange that thousands of kiwis will be lining up at Centrelink on Monday morning :happy:
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Swinton had a great game. Smashed a few blokes
jameswm
Roar Guru
He played 12 for the U20s when Harrison played 10. Agreedbhe helps the attack. Gamble was ok but tizzano played better season.
jameswm
Roar Guru
The Tahs centres are ok