Waratahs walk all over the Reds
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The Waratahs rounded out their regular season with a comprehensive 34-3 win over the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
The table-topping Waratahs, who ran in four tries to collect a bonus point, will now take the first week of the Super Rugby finals off on the back of seven straight victories.
The Reds were the first to put points on the board when Mike Harris slotted a fourth-minute penalty but that was the last time the Reds troubled the scorer.
Lucas limped off in the eighth minute and the Waratahs built pressure. Beale tormented the Reds' defensive line, having his way on every occasion before setting up fullback Jono Lance's try in the 13th minute.
Foley converted to put the Waratahs in front 7-3 but Beale wasn't finished.
The Waratahs exploited an overlap on the right wing and Cam Crawford showed a glimpse of his 2013 form to give Beale acres of space for a 30 metre dash to the line.
Foley converted to make it 14-3 with 17 minutes gone while play was suspended to see Reds centre Ben Tapuai stretchered off after going down in contact with Crawford.
While the Reds had their moments with possession and territory, errors proved costly and saw them continually turn the ball over.
Replacement back JJ Taulagi shot Rod Davies a flick pass but the Queensland winger lost it on the line under desperate defence from Waratahs captain Michael Hooper.
Kepu was caught pulling Reds flanker Beau Robinson's hair at a ruck and appeared to unleash two quick upper cuts in the ensuing melee.
He was sent to the sin bin in the 28th minute, leaving Queensland one man up and within spitting distance of the try line, but they could not convert.
Beale added a second try in the second half, while half-back Nick Phipps also scored to help the Waratahs secure a 34-3 win before a week off heading into a home semi-final.
Man of the Match: The Reds worked hard with Beau Robinson looking busy, Mike Harris played his part, both as a fullback and a flyhalf after an injury to Ben Lucas, Samu Kerevi continued his impressive run since getting a chance. For the Waratahs it was the inside backs who really impressed with Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps linking up well and contributing three out of the four tries. In the end it was Kurtley Beale's playmaking and brace of tries that earns him our award.
Scorers:
Reds:
Pen: Harris
Waratahs:
Tries: Lance, Beale 2, Phipps
Cons: Foley 3
Pens: Foley 2
Yellow cards: Sekope Kepu (Waratahs, 29 – foul play, punching), Sam Johnson (Reds, 61 – foul play, tip tackle)
Teams:
Reds: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Lachie Turner, 10 Ben Lucas, 9 Scott Gale, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Curtis Browning, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 James Hanson, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Albert Anae, 19 Dave McDuling, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Sam Johnson, 22 Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, 23 Chris Kuridrani.
Waratahs: 15 Cam Crawford, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Stephen Hoiles , 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements (one to be omitted): 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Michael Ala'alatoa, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Mitchell Chapman, 21 Pat McCutcheon , 22 Brendan McKibbin, 23 Jono Lance, 24 Taqele Naiyaravoro.
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Matt O'Brien (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
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