Waratahs vs Reds: Tahs trump Reds 28-17

By John Davidson / Roar Guru

NSW Waratahs

28

Match Complete

Reds

17

B. Foley70
A. Newsome69
65S. Naivalu
C. Rona40
37C. Feauai-Sautia
B. Foley35
27B. Hegarty
26S. Kerevi
B. Foley20
N. Hanigan19
B. Foley8
B. Foley6

3
Tries
3
2
Conversions
1
3
Penalty Goals
0
0
Field Goals
0

Match result:

The Reds’ horror run in Sydney has continued with the Waratahs claiming a scrappy 28-17 win.

In a game that never reached great heights, NSW notched their second victory of 2019 but Queensland remain winless.

Tries to Ned Hannigan, Alex Newsome and Curtis Rona got the result for the Tahs at the SCG.

The home team started well and took a 6-0 lead early through the boot of Bernard Foley.

Then Ned Hanningan burst over for a try to make it 13-0.

The Reds responded when Samu Kerevi found the Tahs defence napping at the ruck.

Foley then added another penalty, before Kerevi set up Chris Feaunai-Sautai for a brilliant try right before half-time.

A great offload put the winger over in the corner to cut the score to 16-12 at the break.

The Tahs had been in control but were unable to put Queensland completely to bed.

But they reasserted their dominance right from the kick off of the second half, Kurtley Beale putting Curtis Rona into space and the winger scoring an outstanding five-pointer.

The Reds continued to bumble their way around the field, coughing up the ball at will.

Then with 15 minutes left they scored out of nothing, Sefanaia Naivalu winning the race from a Bryce Hegarty grubber in behind.

NSW hit back with a try from Newsome that killed off the match and handed the Reds their third defeat of the season.

Final score
Waratahs 28
Reds 17

Match preview:

The Waratahs welcome their traditional rivals the Reds to the unfamiliar venue of the Sydney Cricket Ground. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:45pm AEDT.

This old battle between the two states rarely disappoints. It’s also usually a very even contest, unsurprisingly because it is a derby.

The two teams have played each other 30 times in Super Rugby, with the Waratahs winning 16 of those occasions.

Since 2013 the Tahs have won every encounter in Sydney. After having the bye, they will be fresh and confident ahead of the visit of Queensland.

The NSW outfit also welcome back Adam Ashley-Cooper into the centres, where he will pair with Karmichael Hunt. Kurtley Beale has been shifted to fullback, meaning Israel Folau will start on the wing.

The Waratahs have one win from their first two rounds and will be looking to knock off their old foes.

The Reds have yet to register a win in 2019 but have performed strongly so far. They were unlucky against the Highlanders and never gave up against a very talented Crusaders side.

Brad Thorn is turning them around and has made changes of his own with Isaac Lucas starting at fullback and Bryce Hegarty moved to the number 10 spot.

Scott Higgingbotham will also start, with Hamish Stewart and Angus Scott-Young on the bench.

Tate McDermott made his mark last week against the Crusaders, and will again be an impact sub to watch out for.

Prediction
The Reds are improving, battle-hardened and won’t give up.

The Reds to win by 3.

Join The Roar from 7:45pm AEDT for live scores and a blog of the match.

When: 7:45pm AEDT
Where: SCG
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Waratahs $1.28, Draw $25, Reds $2.50

Comments:

2019-03-11T07:14:49+00:00

Train Without A Station

Roar Guru


Not really. You commented on the poor spectacle of the game. I just elaborated that Reds games in general have been similar, but it wasn’t all the fault of the Reds. Just because I replied it doesn’t mean I objected to the crux of your comment.

2019-03-11T04:31:18+00:00

rebel

Roar Guru


Weird that you directed it at me then since I said "both teams".

2019-03-10T11:15:31+00:00

Train Without A Station

Roar Guru


And I was just commenting that they’re games have been dire to watch, but it wasn’t all their fault

2019-03-10T11:10:29+00:00

rebel

Roar Guru


Lucky I didn't blame them then. Was just commenting that in the limited vision I had it looked poor, was not sure if it was truly the case, but having seen others comments it does look that way. Also their first match was far from dire, doesn't have to be all or nothing.

2019-03-10T10:40:09+00:00

Train Without A Station

Roar Guru


Well from what we’ve seen with Hamish Stewart, no, that’s not a good start...

2019-03-10T10:37:48+00:00

Train Without A Station

Roar Guru


Reds games have been dire to watch. But they can’t be blamed for the Tahs and Crusaders playing woeful rugby against them.

2019-03-10T06:08:09+00:00

mzilikazi

Roar Pro


Ah, wondered when his name would come up. Looks a bigger unit now...will surprise many, I think.

2019-03-10T05:58:49+00:00

mzilikazi

Roar Pro


"Perhaps I’m a blind optimist but I still think there is a decent team in there if they can keep it together. " Fair comment.......a few things coming together would help.......bit of better fortune wpould help too

2019-03-10T05:39:31+00:00

Ruckin Oaf

Guest


So you're suggesting you wouldn't make a big deal about a fly-half missing a tackle that lead to a try. Sure that must be it. Hate to be the millionth person to point it out but your biases just might be showing a touch. ;)

2019-03-10T05:00:59+00:00

Rhys Bosley

Roar Pro


Yeah, you are right … I was clearly too focused on the other 10 tackles Stewart made ;-)

2019-03-10T04:53:03+00:00

Ruckin Oaf

Guest


Sure so when the Saders scored the length of the field second try who's defensive miss let that all happen. I'll give you a hint he was wearing 10. Try watching all of the game next time ;)

2019-03-10T04:20:07+00:00

Rhys Bosley

Roar Pro


I think that you were typing this post while you were asleep and dreaming about "a certain 10", to whom the post had absolutely nothing to do with.

2019-03-10T03:26:17+00:00

Ruckin Oat

Guest


I thought you said you watched the Saders game ?

2019-03-10T02:28:06+00:00

PeterK

Roar Guru


the irony 1 penalty is 3 points 2 conversions are 4 points that is 7 points so a difference of 5 points

2019-03-10T02:23:34+00:00

Stephen Creagh

Guest


Reds missed one penalty and two conversions - that’s nine points. Waratahs missed one conversion - that’s two points, and a difference of seven.

2019-03-10T00:34:33+00:00

Highlander

Guest


Feel a bit sorry for Hegarty, both for the heat he is catching and how he is being used. Every side needs a combination of catalysts and handle turners. Hegarty is the latter, the term journeyman is often used disparagingly but the guy who turns up every week, does the right thing and is normally low in errors is an asset to a side. I posted many times last year how he provided the Tahs with balance every time he was on the park, just kept getting into good positions. Now he is being to run the whole show from 10, in a side not quite firing on all cylinders. Not his gig at all.

2019-03-10T00:15:14+00:00

riddler

Roar Rookie


let's just call it collection services. quite lucky for an old, broken down piggie! ;)

2019-03-10T00:13:04+00:00

riddler

Roar Rookie


long day. just home and most probably going to sleep on the sofa. seen the result. so 2 bad results for my saturday!

2019-03-09T23:56:13+00:00

Bobby

Roar Rookie


Just watched Reds post match press conference. Thorn is just an embarrassment in front of reporters - absolutely shocking. His on field performances are showing his quality as a coach as well. Samu is no brain surgeon but he had a great game and his comments were expected( what else can a captain say after a defeat). Tahs maintain that supremacy!

2019-03-09T23:16:53+00:00

Train Without A Station

Roar Guru


Sefa has incredible rugby instincts and smarts. He just can’t kick and is a touch slower than Filipo

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