Waratahs Go Down Fighting Against Outstanding Blues
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Friday, 23 March 2007
NSWRU Media Unit
A vastly improved effort across the park hasn't been enough to stop the HSBC Waratahs going down to the top-ranked Blues in their Super 14 clash in Auckland, the New Zealanders running out 34-6 winners at Eden Park.
Benn Robinson looks to invent something for the Waratahs
Benn Robinson looks to invent something for the Waratahs
Daniel Braid scores against the Tahs in Auckland
Daniel Braid scores against the Tahs in Auckland
Two tries in each half would prove more than enough to secure the home side victory, their swarming defence and ability to convert even the smallest of chances seeing them race to victory.
The Waratahs were enthusiastic in defence and their performance with ball in hand was more impressive than in recent weeks, however they were simply outplayed by what is an outstanding Blues outfit.
The Blues opened the scoring in the fourth minute, inside centre Luke McAlister kicking them into the lead after Alastair Baxter was penalised at scrum time.
The Waratahs defence held firm early, frustrating the Blues until flanker Daniel Braid scored off the 14th phase score the opening try of the night.
McAlister converted and the Blues held a 10-nil lead.
Peter Hewat got the Waratahs on the board in the 22nd minute, however a sneaky turnover at lineout time laid on the second try of the night for the home side soon after.
Rocky Elsom had the ball knocked from his hands by Troy Flavell, who popped up three passes later to score out wide for a 17-3 lead.
A second Hewat penalty saw the score along to 17-6 at half time, however the Blues lead was extended to 20-6 soon after the break through another McAlister strike.
Steve Devine took advantage of a defensive lapse on the short side to score his side's third try ten minutes after the break.
The score remained at 27-6 until well inside the final ten minutes, when the Waratahs, down a man following a yellow card to Will Caldwell, gave up a second try to Flavell whose converted try made it 34-6 in favour of the home side.
For the visitors, rookie winger Lachlan Turner was impressive, running down the attack on more than one occasion just as the Blues looked set to score.
Prop Benn Robinson was workmanlike in all facets of play as were backrowers Rocky Elsom and David Lyons, however the Blues were outstanding across the park and thoroughly deserved the victory.
The Waratahs return home on Saturday ahead of next weekend's clash against the Crusaders at Aussie Stadium.
HSBC WARATAHS - 6
Penalty Goals: Peter Hewat 2/2
BLUES - 34
Tries: Troy Flavell 2, Daniel Braid, Steve Devine
Conversions: Luke McAlister 4/4
Penalty Goals: Luke McAlister 2/3
At Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Marius Jonker (RSA)
Yellow Card: Will Caldwell (Waratahs)