Slick Tahs bury Canes
14 May 2010
The Waratahs produced their best performance of the competition to beat the Hurricanes 32-16 and book their spot in the play-offs.
The Tahs took to the field in a jersey that probably matches the wallpaper in Phil Waugh’s bathroom. Perhaps the jersey designers felt not enough people knew exactly what a Waratah was, or perhaps the coaches wanted to distract the Canes with a design so bad it put Stade Francais’ atrocity to shame.
The official line is that the Tahs donned the strip for charity, and they seemed to thrive in the new colours, hammering the Canes up front and scoring some spectacular tries thanks to their sublime support play. The wet conditions should have prescribed a tighter approach, but the Tahs’ tendency to look for the offload had the Canes’ defence scrambling.
The hosts went into this crucial match without their star scrummager, Benn Robinson, and were dealt a further blow when Dan Palmer cried off with injury in the 11th minute. Unfortunately for the Canes, they also lost captain Andrew Hore early on, a loss that seemed to have a greater impact on their scrumming prowess.
The Tahs bossed this set-piece and piled on the pressure through a relentless forward assault on the Canes’ line. The Kiwis were able to withstand the forward barrage and even managed to snaffle a couple of timely turnovers on their own line. But it was when the Tahs ran it from deep that the visitors struggled to get back on defence.
Great offloading complemented penetrative supporting lines until Kurtley Beale received the final pass to dot down. Lachie Turner then created something from nothing, chipping behind the Canes’ defence, collecting the ball, and sprinting upfield. The pass at pace was accurate as Drew Mitchell took the score to 18-6.
Piri Weepu managed to goal a penalty before the break, but the Tahs struck decisively after half-time. Having absorbed plenty of punishment in the first stanza, the Canes defence was lethargic and allowed Mitchell to cut the line. The Wallabies winger found Rob Horne in support and was on hand when the Tahs centre delivered the final offload.
The try and subsequent conversion took the Tahs to a 25-9 lead, and the way the hosts were firing, a Canes fightback seemed unlikely. The hosts had the better of possession and were winning the collisions, a battle that was made easier thanks to the tiring Canes defence.
Another chip over the top eluded a seemingly well-placed Cory Jane as Beale collected his own kick to score. The bounce of the ball was favouring the Aussies, and the try ensured they claimed a bonus point.
The Canes played themselves into the Tahs’ 22, but their desperation was exacerbated by elementary handling errors. Jane knocked the ball over the tryline, and while you could say that the slippery conditions were responsible, the Tahs were getting all their passes away despite the wet.
Turner was sin-binned in the 67th minute but the Canes failed to make the most of their numbers advantage. They spilled a pass from the resulting penalty and then butchered another opportunity when they ran it from deep. The Tahs defended spiritedly, but eventually conceded a try to David Smith.
The Sydney side has played some uninspiring rugby to date, but this performance confirmed why many teams consider them a threat. Their pack is difficult to stop once it gets going, and when they string a couple of passes together, ala the Crusaders, they can translate pressure into points.
They’ll continue to whinge following this win, as the five-point return takes them to second position on the log. Had the Bulls sent their first-string to Newlands and beaten the Stormers, the Tahs would have hosted a play-off.
The Stormers should beat the Bulls B team on Saturday to book a home semi-final, a result that will see Waugh’s charges traveling from Sydney to take on an intimidating outfit in Cape Town. The other play-off should see the Bulls hosting the Crusaders.
By Jon Cardinelli
478 Comments
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14 May 2010, 13:26 pm
that was nice, i slipped out for a quick lunch to catch the 2nd half, the Canes just have no BMT, no game-plan and no clue, well done Tahs, defense was awsome.
14 May 2010, 13:26 pm
I think the Bulls are secretly praying that we win tomorrow, or it’s sudden death in Orlando lol…..
14 May 2010, 13:27 pm
@logie_Jumpbuck(logie_Jumpbuck)-179: The Reds will have to make up a 110 points difference, they must win by 60+ and the Stormers lose by 60+, highly unlikely, by the time Stormers play, they will know what to get
14 May 2010, 13:28 pm
Its been the year of the home town ref calling the shots and the outcomes. This game no exception. This comp is not played on even playing fields. If Bulls get impartial ref’s in Orlando its overs, they can kiss their big breek bravado season goodbye right here right now.
Bulls will not take the comp this year not if an unbiased ref blows semi or final.
14 May 2010, 13:28 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-202: Exactly, Tac is shitting mad wherever he is!!
14 May 2010, 13:28 pm
@Nils(Nils)-199: me too
thing is, Dickensons been named for one semi, wonder which team he’ll get…
Lawrence for the other one..
I still maintain..
A Saffa/Aus alliance..
14 May 2010, 13:29 pm
grats to the waratahs, get ready for some serious moaning now.
how important was that bonus point in the loss to the sharks now?
14 May 2010, 13:30 pm
Imagine if the Bulls lose in the semis, the Waratahs will cry buckets, they had a slight chance of a home semi and home final. thats 1.2 million Aust dollars.
14 May 2010, 13:30 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-200: Now you have met one, i would rather 2 SA sides be in the final than one, all 4 of these teams are going to be tough to beat, so it doesnt matter who the Bulls meet where, its going to be tough either way.
14 May 2010, 13:30 pm
@skoptiet(yliad)-204: the Bulls dont choose the refs my child.
14 May 2010, 13:31 pm
@BlueBlood(BlueBlood)-207: not that important, we’ll get 5 tomorrow
14 May 2010, 13:32 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-209: wow, you and I agree on something..
finals rugby is completely a new ball game…
14 May 2010, 13:32 pm
If they lose by more than 7 points they remain 4th and play Bulls is Soweto next week.
If they lose by less than 7 points and score 4 tries they end 3rd and play the Waratahs in Australia next week.
If they lose by less than 7 points and don’t score 4 tries they end 4th and play Bulls.
If they win they play the Waratahs at Newlands next week
14 May 2010, 13:32 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-200: There is a good chance we will be seeing you in Cape Town for the final – Bulls are up for a whacking !
14 May 2010, 13:32 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-196:
Certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.
But if the Stormers get and win a home-semi, I’d rather they didn’t
14 May 2010, 13:33 pm
@Martin(Martin)-190: lol.you have just send tac on his tenth trip to the toilet!
14 May 2010, 13:33 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-200:
For sure – just happy that we made the last 4 standing – one step at a time mate. Not calling a win until the fat lady sings. Not that arrogant are we.
14 May 2010, 13:34 pm
its alright to reach the semis….but it aint any good if we don’t win it….its like bragging about coming in 4th place…
14 May 2010, 13:34 pm
Well done Tahs and Saders! Think you are worthy of the semis too.
Speak later.
14 May 2010, 13:35 pm
@BuckT(BuckTrendy)-111: I just spoke to Grant 10 and he’s keen on the tickets. He’ll email you shortly.
14 May 2010, 13:36 pm
@jamisz(jamisz)-213: For 4 weeks now, I have been saying the only position for the stormers to avoid is finishing 3rd, because I had the Crusaders finishing 2nd, well since its the Waratahs who may finish 2nd, I dont mind anymore where we finish, just bring it on!!!!
14 May 2010, 13:36 pm
@Vetkoek(Vetkoek)-215: hehe of course.. Im happy we got a team in the next stage, even at a low ebb we can still put up one fairly decent team.
14 May 2010, 13:37 pm
we should’nt even be concerned about tomorrow’s result….the stormers will win it…..by a long shot….crikey if they don’t then they don’t deserve to be in play-offs…finish and klaar
14 May 2010, 13:38 pm
Dusky, I hope you are going to watch the “Mighty Sharks Stormers-Slayers” play a meaningless game against the Force
14 May 2010, 13:38 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-212: law of averages means it was bound to happen Poppa, but the tough thing is the travel factor for the Saders, have to travel home, then then back to SA, if anyone says that wont be a factor they are dreaming, if the stormers win tomorrow they will have to be very weary of the Tah’s because the way they defended and countered in the 2nd half was pretty impressive, but then again the Cane’s didn’t pitch today at all, so one can’t really make an accurate assessment.
14 May 2010, 13:40 pm
@Martin(Martin)-218: slightly yes, but this year has been a very tough competition. its an achievement to be in 2010 semis, it really is.
I almost wish that they would put the S15 off for another year, just to take in another year of S14 brutality. This is a special competition this. It has everything.
The Stormers, Crusaders and Waratahs did well.
I think semis will be Bulls vs Saders with a Bulls win, I dont think the Saders can put off the effects of all that travel forever. Then Stormers Waratahs, with a Stormers win. The Stormers team is a totally different outfit without Puke in there dividing everyone.
Bulls vs Stormers final is a dream come true. I would not even fantasize about daydreaming about trying to predict an outcome there.
Regardless, that game will be remembered for a very long time.
14 May 2010, 13:42 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-225: didn’t pitch today, something like the Stormers last week.
14 May 2010, 13:43 pm
@BlueBlood(BlueBlood)-226:
Amen to that.
Can you imagine how the sponsors, advertisers etc must be shivering with anticipation at the prospect of a Bulls / Stormers final?
14 May 2010, 13:44 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-222:
I’d say the Crusaders are more than fairly decent.
Not as good as a few years back, but good nonetheless.
14 May 2010, 13:44 pm
@Martin(Martin)-223: the Stormers will win, unless someone does something really stupid, like get a red card in the first 5 minutes.
14 May 2010, 13:45 pm
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-227: and your point?
14 May 2010, 13:45 pm
seems very much to me that stormers have one hand on the trophy.
and looks like wptid will get paid out by the bookies.
14 May 2010, 13:45 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-225: I think its Stormers/Tahs/Saders that have the best defensive records (not sure of the order, Stormers 1st I think), plus think they will cop a bit of stick when they land
so they’ll be up for it…point to prove..
still dont think if they play them they will beat the Stormers.
14 May 2010, 13:47 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-231: I’m just really pissed off with my teams poor performance last week, they beter get their **** together.
14 May 2010, 13:47 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-233: Stormers/Saders. And of course the Sormers are first!!!!
14 May 2010, 13:49 pm
I dreamt last night that the Stormers came badly unstuck against the Agterosse. You can pretty much take that to the bookies and make some money.
>^..^<
14 May 2010, 13:49 pm
@charo(charo)-232:
I sincerely hope so!
14 May 2010, 13:50 pm
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-234: could have been the perfect wake up call.. still have their fate in their own hands..
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-235: of course, first to concede points lol
14 May 2010, 13:50 pm
here are the average points leaked per game
Team PA Avg
Stormers 13.4
Crusaders 22.8
Brumbies 22.4
Sharks 23.1
Bulls 25.6
Waratahs 22.2
Blues 26.1
Reds 22.7
Hurricanes 24.8
Western Force 28.08333333
Chiefs 32.3
Highlanders 29.9
Cheetahs 31.9
Lions 43.8
your post wasnt too clear poppa, who will get stick when they lad? also who wont beat the stormers
14 May 2010, 13:52 pm
@Kea-Cat(KEA)-234: dont be too hard on them, the sharks are not a bad side, and it was a home game for them, they were totally outplayed my a G’d up team, it happens. you should be more peeved about the loss at home to brumbies, that was a slip of note.
14 May 2010, 13:52 pm
Gees I think the ref blew the Hurricanes to pieces. Waugh got away with MURDER at the breakdown ….. should have been sent off. Hometown advantage ….. once again.
14 May 2010, 13:52 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-239:
Bloody hell, the Lions have conceded 569 points this season…must be a new record?
14 May 2010, 13:54 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-239: I meant the Tahs…after all their talk, and I thought their defensive record was stronger then that…
Chiefs at 32, sums up their season…
14 May 2010, 13:54 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-240:
Yes, it was a massive slip-up. As was the first match of our tour against the Force.
14 May 2010, 13:54 pm
@BlueBlood(BlueBlood)-226: Let’s hope it is so. It’s a very worthy rivallry, and regardless of the outcome as you say, it will be one to remember…..
I must say, the permutations are raelly in our favourat the moment. We either have a home semi, or we travel to Orlando, which is certainly better than going to Sydney or Christchurch.
I’d obviously prefer to see the ‘Saders in the final, mostly as it means a home final at Newlands, but If I was really dreaming, my ideal would have been Bulls/Stormers at Newlands.
And we had the chances to make that happen, against the Brumbies, the Reds and the Force. Less than 3 points all, but a miss is as good as mile, and I think that after the weekend the log will be an accurate reflection of the teams’ respective performances this year, with us either 2nd or 4th. And deserving of the log position either way.
14 May 2010, 13:55 pm
@poppa69(poppa69)-238: Well the Stormers deserve to be in the semi’s. Now previous performances mean twot, it’s test rugby time, play for the win even if you’re outscored 4 tries to nil.
One thing about the top 4 is the Stormers are competing against experienced teams.
14 May 2010, 13:56 pm
@MacToogie(MacToogie)-239:
These are the Average points scored per game
Team PF Avg
Bulls 35.5
Crusaders 29.8
Waratahs 29.6
Blues 28.8
Brumbies 27.5
Hurricanes 27.5
Stormers 27.3
Reds 27.3
Chiefs 26.7
Sharks 22.5
Highlanders 21.8
Lions 21.7
Cheetahs 21.4
Western Force 19.67
Saders seem to be the most balanced team in the defense/attack ratio
14 May 2010, 13:56 pm
had a look at the draw for the semi’s, bulls at 5pm on the 22nd, Stuart Dickinson the ref, then the second semi at 7pm, Mark Lawrence is the ref? then Joubert to ref the final? surely they should only decide on the ref after the final log positions are decided?
14 May 2010, 13:57 pm
Bulls can sit back and relax. Briesies must still win tomorrow and they are not the biggest on bmt. Choked more than Linda Lovelace or the AB’s in WC in recent years.
I see already the excuses started with refs seeing the Bulls through. Damn you bunch are unsportsmanlike cry babies. Probably never played a game of rugby in your life snotskiet.
Bulls S14 2010 champs. Yeah, sounds good.
14 May 2010, 13:58 pm
@Xkreni-WP(Xkreni-WP)-249: Linda was never a choker. Sies man, talents like that come around once in a lifetime…..
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