Waratahs brush Brumbies aside
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The Waratahs have blown away the Brumbies 39-8 with a physically dominant display in Sydney securing a bonus point and going to the top of the table.
The home team looked in control all the way through the game, getting the bonus point with 12 minutes still to go.
The Waratahs' five-try, victory carried them into first place, three points ahead of the Sharks who have a bye along with the rest of the South African teams.
The Sharks have led the tournament throughout the season and might reclaim first place when they return to action next weekend.
In the meantime, the Waratahs, who had already clinched a playoffs place, made a strong bid for a first or second place finish which guarantees a home semifinal.
Their win came at a heavy cost as their captain Dave Dennis suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury.
A preliminary diagnosis suggested Dennis suffered a repeat of an anterior cruciate ligament strain which would likely rule him out of the post-season.
Prop Benn Robinson scored the Waratahs' opening try in the 15th minute, in what was a tight first half struggle, Wycliff Palu was rewarded with the final try in the 80th minute.
In between, Alofa Alofa scored a try in each half, including the crucial fourth, bonus point try, and Foley ran from first receiver for a try in the 61st minute which complemented his strong all-round performance.
The Brumbies held sixth place, just inside the top-six playoffs zone, ahead of the final match of the round between the Western Force and Blues.
Their 13th loss to the Waratahs in 24 meetings put a dent in their bid to reach the playoffs as they have a bye next round and only one more match before the end of the regular season.
Robinson's try, from a forward drive, and Alofa Alofa's, from an intercept, gave the Waratahs a 14-5 lead at halftime.
Jesse Mogg scored a spectacular try for the Brumbies, rising high to win an in-goal contest for possession with high ball specialist Israel Folau.
The game opened up in the second half, to the Waratahs' advantage, and Folau played a role in Alofa Alofa's second try.
Palu then scored the try of the match which was started by a brilliant, weaving run by Hooper.
Man of the Match: Israel Folau was his usual dangerous self as he ran hard from the back adding a lot of potency to the backs. Hooper controlled his forwards well, as well as the team after regular captain Dave Dennis was taken off with a season-ending injury. Bernard Foley was immense, controlling the game with aplomb and adding plenty of points through his boot and even chucking in a try of his own – as such he is our man of the match.
Scorers:
For Waratahs
Tries: Robinson, Alofa 2, Foley, Palu
Cons: Foley 4,
Pens: Foley, Beale
For Brumbies
Try: Mogg
Pen: Lealiifano
Yellow Card: Fotu Auelua (Brumbies, 59 – repeated infringements at the breakdown)
Teams:
Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 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, 6 Dave Dennis (captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements – from: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Jono Lance, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 24 Cam Crawford.
Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Andrew Smith, 11 Robbie Coleman, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Jordan Smiler, 5 Leon Power, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Ruaidhri Murphy, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Jean-Pierre Smith, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Jack Whetton, 20 Fotu Auelua, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Clyde Rathbone.
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Ian Smith (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
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