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High-flying Tahs keep it simple

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said that his team's convincing bonus-point win against the Reds in Sydney on Saturday was built on good execution of the basics.

The Waratahs outscored their old rivals by four tries to one in a comprehensive 32-5 victory which saw the Templeton Cup return to Sydney for the first time since 2011.

It was a record win for the Waratahs against the Reds in Super Rugby and Cheika attributed their success to good execution of basic skills.

"The game plan was simple; nothing too technical… just committed to working hard," he said.

"Rugby’s a simple game – if you run hard, pick your spots and get good go-forward, we've got guys who can play," he added.

Cheika reserved special praise for two-try hero Israel Folau, who grabbed two tries to take his season tally to five from two games.

"He's a good player – and most importantly he's blending into the team's fabric. He knows where to be and he's getting even more involved in the line."

Cheika was hesitant though to make too much to his side's impressive start to the season, with two bonus-point wins putting them on top of the Australian conference..

"We're mature enough to know there's a long way to go. We've only played two games and we've got 14 to go so we're only really at the bottom of the mountain," he said.    

 

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