NSW Waratahs Sports Benches
Tag:

NSW Waratahs

Rugby

Rugby News, Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Moana Pasifika Game in Round 15 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

Timoci Tavatsvanawai has been excellent on the left wing v Waratahs tonight for Moana Pasifika, having scored back-to-back tries throughout the opening 40 mins of play. He’s got plenty of pace to run back and forth; Plus, he can also smash & tackle these opposition bodies as being tested with his attacking & defensive contribution. And the vision/read is there to see every time when looking to catch the high ball & mark out the Waratahs weaknesses, which is so important for his position. All in all, he’s such a dangerous force as long as Moana can supply him with the execution he’s after, while continuing to grasp more of his on-field qualities at both ends along the way. More to come from the 25-year-old in Timoci.

Next up is Levi Aumua who did well to keep Moana in check on the outside midfield at No.13 where his side got away with the season-finale win tonight v Waratahs. Like Timoci, he has great vision with good height, as well as with pace and physicality that let him do his best work on the field. Not only he helped get past a robust Tahs through the gate thanks to some patience, support & talk up there, but he can also come back & protect Moana defensively that helped finish off their 2nd year in style. He’s so thankful to them with his Super Rugby growth at 28 right now as they will miss his brutal presence, but he can’t wait to move onto the next level next year for the Crusaders.

And how about we give Michael Hooper the send off he deserves after his last home game for the Waratahs at No.7 (Openside Flanker). He never stopped working hard as always where he put in a decent defensive shift, while offering with a mix of pace & physicality going forward that demonstrates his vast leadership in Daceyville. Now he might not have guided them to the win, especially it’s the last regular game of the year. But he did deny Moana a bonus point before he finished his night on a high thanks to a TRY himself in the 80th minute. He needs their full support behind him now in the hope of putting his best for the win as outsiders v Blues in the last 8 at Eden Park.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Moana Pasifika end their 2023 season with the win in Michael Hooper’s last home game for the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Waratahs may have scored twice in between kick-off & half-time, but Moana led the opening 40 at 14-21 thanks to a Timoci Tavatavanawai double brace on the wide left. Nothing much has changed going into the 2nd half apart from the Tahs’ late progress with back-to-back consolation tries. However, it was Moana who were well secure with their extended lead before they got away with the season-finale win in Moore Park, 24-33.

It’s not the win the Waratahs wanted to finish their home season tonight, especially when fans came out to see Michael Hooper run out for the last time at home in-person before Tahs head off to Eden Park on Friday now v Blues for the Quarter-Final. They weren’t bad at the start thanks to a brilliant clearance kick from Joey Walton before Mark Nawaqanitawase chased the ball well en route to the Tahs’ opening TRY. Although they’ve responded well at times that includes two late tries in the 2nd half, but ill-discipline has held them back time & time again & that is something they have learned the hard way tonight. I know it’s the last regular match of the year, but they still need to watch their discipline by having a strong defense while scoring if Tahs do want to win as outsiders v Blues.

And congratulations to Moana Pasifika with the win to finish off their 2nd Super Rugby season. The last time they won was against the Hurricanes a little over a year ago via extra time at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, 24-19. They did well to overcome such a robust Waratahs blocks through the gate, having got away with three tries in the first half. It took so much patience, support & talk up in order to get the job done together where Moana extended their lead with two more tries in the 2nd-half before they’re able to see the light as the clocks ticks down towards full-time, even though the Tahs’ two late tries didn’t have much impact apart from losing that bonus point opportunity. Now they finished last once again on the ladder, but it‘a gonna take more time before Moana can start winning more games from there.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Fijian Drua Game in Round 13 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Hats off to Max Jorgensen who led the Waratahs backline well at No.15 (full-back). Love how he can do all sorts of things that helped his side steer clear above Fijian Drua such as his defensive contribution thanks to the help from his robust forwards line, as well as the passing, kicking to clear out, pace & TRY assists going forward. It goes to show he can make such a big impact right away after making his Super Rugby debut 11-12 weeks ago & also straight out of High School at the same Allianz Stadium in Moore Park. He never stops working hard from start to finish & that is something he wants to keep on improving every week, as he can’t wait to get tested now v the champs Crusaders next Saturday in NZ.

Next up is 2nd half superman for the Waratahs Joey Walton on the inside midfield role at No.12. He too has made such a big impact that helped complete his side’s attack in order to stay ahead of the Fijian Drua who doesn’t give the Waratahs an easy run. Every time he has the ball, he boasts some blistering pace as well as some brilliant passing through the channels where the support players around him were able to get the job done with a few tries on the board. Such a dynamic player to watch, especially when he made that successful 50/22 line-out kick before they converted that into a match-winning TRY. He’s still got a lot to offer after tough times with injury at 22.

And Joseva Tamani did so well on the blindside for Fijian Drua at No.6  He did everything possible in order to keep his side in contention, having helped Drua win a few penalties including 2 x three-point goals earlier in the 1st 40 before he tested the Waratahs blocks well later on that led to a TRY assist & a TRY for himself. You can’t underestimate his natural game where he has greater vision thanks to the tall frame, as well as the physicality in order to plow himself over the line. Sadly, the Drua just couldn’t overcome the Tahs robust defense despite winning possession, as they just couldn’t keep it up under pressure with the loss.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Rugby News, NSW Waratahs win yet again for the fourth straight time after a brilliant display v Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Fijian Drua opened the scoring account first with the three-point penalty goal & then the same again, while the Waratahs got away by overtaking them twice alongside these two tries where they just extended their lead after the 2nd big score at half-time, 13-6. Later on, the Tahs continued to score a few more tries in order to stay ahead. On the other hand, Drua at last improved their play with back-to-back tries. But then there’s only winner to settle and that is the Waratahs where they responded to Drua’s fightback well before they got away with a comfortable win in front of their home supporters. The final score over in Moore Park was 32-18.

Commiserations to the Fijian Drua with their hard-fought loss tonight, even though they’ve done well at times with a great vibe amongst the Fijian supporters out there watching in-person. Their defense & the way they control possession with the ball wasn’t bad where they won a few penalties/turnovers, as well as back-to-back three-point penalty goals earlier on before Drua managed to fight back with back-to-back tries in the 2nd half. But the only key weakness they couldn’t overcome was the Waratahs defensive blocks where they gave them a really hard time before Drua were being punished in return along the way before it was just too much to keep up towards the end – that’s all. It doesn’t mean that their bid to the Finals is over though with back-to-back home games ahead v Moana Pasifika next Saturday & QLD Reds in two weeks time.

And how good it was to see the Tahs win another game yet again for the fourth time in a row, having won the last three at home including the Reds away in Townsville. Their defense has been outstanding where they held the Drua’s conversion play accountable before they cashed in with back-to-back tries through a good lead ahead of the break. Then they managed to extend their lead along the way thanks to their amazing attacking momentum & patience. Now the Drua may have fought back at times, but the home side stayed ahead with another few tries before the job was well & truly done towards the home run first. Great timing to have the strongest side back together in time for the Finals soon. For now, they hope to win another upset v Crusaders this time on in Christchurch next Saturday arvo just like last year at Leichhardt Oval.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Top 3 players from the NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels Game in Round 12 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

Ben Donaldson has been excellent more than just his usual kicking game tonight, particularly during the 2nd half where the Waratahs were well secure towards the win at No.10. Every time the Waratahs have their chance with the ball, he designed the attack well by throwing some passage of play thanks to the patience being built there. It allowed them to sneak can sneak their way past the Rebels wall through some room before rewards begin to go their way & that is exactly what the Tahs wanted in the end with both the win & bonus point. Such a dynamic No.10 to watch after the Tahs finished off well for him while adding the extra conversion points with credit to his backline runners.

I’ve gotta say that Jed Holloway has been so influential on the Waratahs second row at No.4. The partnership with Hugh Sinclair worked really well while talking up as always at line-out time, so they know what are the Rebels’ weaknesses & where his side can find the sweet spot. Thanks to Jed, the Tahs were able to get the job done a few times through a mix of sensational steals & penalty tries from this spot. Great to see him come back stronger for his 2nd spell here under Darren Coleman as he still has plenty to offer at age 30, who possesses such a towering build along with excellent vision & brutal strength that reflects his natural game.

And Richard Hardwick has been excellent tonight in the No.8 Rebels shirt where he worked so hard that helped them put themselves on the front foot. The promising signs were there every time he caught the Tahs players down defensively while building some momentum & backing them up with the ball. It’s how the Rebels got away on a flying start as well as winning back turnovers & some penalties thanks to his on-field input. It’s just a shame that the poor line outs really hit them hard; So does a few missing tries where the game could’ve been theirs, but then they couldn’t capitalised it before it went even worse in the end with the loss.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Waratahs win three-in-a-row with an easy end to the match while the Melbourne Rebels threw away their flying start at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

It was a tight first 40 where the Rebels were on a roll with back-to-back tries for a start, but then a mix of missed TRY finishes to try & extend their winning margin saw the Waratahs catch up to them that hit really hard before the Melbourne-based side narrowly held the lead ahead of half-time, 14-17, courtesy of a penalty goal. Going into the 2nd half, however, the game easily belongs to the Waratahs, while the Rebels continued to suffer with not just their poor finishing but also the line-outs & discipline as well. The final score at Allianz Stadium was 38-20.

Hard luck to the Melbourne Rebels with the loss there, having fell so short by seven-points against the Brumbies at AAMI Park last Sunday. They fired off really well with back-to-back tries while trying to stay in the fight through some three-point penalty goals. However, their display was largely disappointing when not only the line-outs were bad, but also their messy finishing where the game could’ve easily been theirs if the Rebels successfully added another 2-3 tries along the way. It’s just a shame they couldn’t capitalise on these missed opportunities before it gets worse & worse with the ill-discipline, and it’s something they couldn’t recover ever since. They will now be flying over to Dunedin, NZ where the Rebels continue to fight for the 8th Playoffs spot next Saturday v Highlanders.

Meanwhile, it’s great to see the Waratahs end up with three straight wins now on what has been a wonderful night in front of their supporters at Allianz Stadium (Moore Park). Now they may have been disadvantaged from the beginning but boy they showed so much fightback along the way. The credit comes from the Rebels poor line-outs, ill-discipline & missed TRY opportunities where the Tahs made up some lost time going into half-time before they were unstoppable on the run home with a comfortable win. Such a brilliant show where they are in a good position now to secure another year in the Final  Playoffs at 6th right now thanks to Head Coach Darren Coleman. But first, they still got three games left with the Fijian Drua next up – who is not far from the Top 8 bubble in 9th right now behind Western Force – also on a Saturday night at home.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Top 3 players from the Reds v Waratahs Game in Round 11 of the 2023 Super Rugby Season

by Sports Benches

First of all, take a bow to No.8 Langi Gleeson who was instrumental of the Waratahs win against the Reds tonight in Townsville. He has so much offer in his position, having exposed the Reds’ poor conversion play by holding them up defensively. Plus, he can also smash his way through the Reds blocks with the ball every time the Waratahs need to build some attacking momentum. And with patience, his side were able to accrue as many big scores than the Reds side did throughout his 60 minute shift. Now there’s unfinished business left to make more damage from such a talented youngster with youth (age 21) by his side.

Next up is Dave Porecki (No.2 at Hooker) who back from injury recently at the right time to help turn his side’s season around, having been excellent with his throw-ins at line-out time as always before he controlled with the ball really well that led to tries on the board. Not only he opened the Tahs scoring account himself, but he credits the Reds poor attacking executions & ill-discipline that led to more chances to get the job done from his end. The Tahs need him the most based on his vast experience & he will continue to work hard by delivering them tries & wins in return.

And Suli Vunivalu has been dangerous earlier on during the opening 40 in particular on the Reds wide right role at No.14. He too can jump up high to receive the ball, as well as run back & fourth through the channels where his vision was tested really well, and Suli can even use the pacey power to dive past the Tahs blocks down low that secured his team’s 2nd TRY. Now his presence may have kept the Reds in contention at 17-17 going into the half-time break, but then their poor attacking conversion play & ill-discipline sadly continued to hurt him with the loss.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Waratahs regain the Bob Templeton Cup off the Reds following a comfortable finish in the 2nd half tonight in Townsville 

by Sports Benches

The first half has been a very tight one to kickstart Saturday Night of Super Rugby, with the Waratahs scoring first while the Queensland Reds ran from behind to make up some lost time as they’re both locked up 17-17 apiece at the break. But then the Waratahs won the other 40 where not only they regained the lead, but they got away fair & square with an easy win 24-32 at North Queensland Stadium in Townsville.

Don’t know where to start but the Reds just couldn’t cut it with their conversion play, having done the same mistakes time & time again that saw many established teams & now the Waratahs punish them in the end. Yes, they showed some fight earlier on when the Waratahs opened their scoring account first before the Reds overtook them at one point for the lead before they being levelled at half-time (17-17). But overall, they were inconsistent with the poor finishing & ill-discipline while watching on the Tahs regain top spot & then later extend their winning share through the finish line, which is not what they wanted to see in Townsville. Now the Reds got a tough last four games of 2023  coming up starting with the Chiefs on Friday. 

Meanwhile, it’s great to see the Waratahs end up with back-to-back wins this time against their arch-rivals of the Queensland Reds after they took home the Bob Templeton Cup. They fired off really well to open the TRY scoring account first as well putting a great defensive shift to expose the Reds poor finishing play & most importantly, they took their time well to finish off the attack with a few tries on the board. This is what made the Tahs so great as of late, especially when they never gave up all long with an easy 2nd-half display. Now they’re looking to stay in the Top 8 bubble for another year, with back-to-back home games at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park ahead starting with the Melbourne Rebels next Saturday.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Top 3 players from the Waratahs v Highlanders Game in Round 10 of the 2022 Super Rugby Season at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Michael Hooper is a many of all-round talents on the Waratahs openside back row at No.7 last night v Highlanders. He can look after & assist with the attack, as well as defend & even made a 50/22 kick too that helped his side stay ahead on the front foot. Now the majority of the 2nd half may not be exactly the same while the Landers catched up, but he’s glad that the hard work was done when the Tahs regained the lead just in time thanks to the other team’s discipline drama ahead of a win by a single point (21-20). Such an excellent skipper to watch who still has plenty of energy left in the tank, as he’s got unfinished business left going into May so the Tahs can stay in the Top 8 bubble.

Next up is Lalakai Foketi on the inside back at No.12 for the Waratahs. He backed up the attack really well while offering so much physicality at the same time, having collected just the one TRY ahead of half-time. Yes, he might have been sent away to the naughty chair later on for like 10 mins, but he has redeemed himself once he came back just in time to help regain the lead before the Tahs held off the Highlanders for the win. It goes to show that he is such an important player who has tremendous experience in his prime right now (aged 28). Now he’s ready to hopefully not only beat the Reds next Saturday, but also keep winning on games to make the QF again for another year.

And Aaron Smith has made a huge difference for the Highlanders at No.9, particularly when his side made some lost time for most of the 2nd half. He looked after the ruck well while building some momentum going forward that earned them some three-point penalty goals earlier on. Then he showed some excellent leadership & attacking masterclass after half-time where he helped his side overtake the Tahs for the lead with under 20 mins to go. Sadly, he wished he can stay on until the end when not only he was replaced by Folau Fakatava with 7 to go, but his side also suffered some discipline drama as they’ve let it slipped away while the Tahs went on to celebrate with the win.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Rugby

Waratahs ruin the Highlanders 2nd half comeback with a one-point win in front of their home supporters last night at Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches

Wow!! That was oh so close when the Waratahs got away with the win they deserved at Allianz Stadium last night by only a single point (21-20) v the Highlanders. They dominated the first half with back-to-back tries while the Highlanders pick up some mini three-point boosters. Now the 2nd half was really tight where the Highlanders dominated that term, but they just couldn’t hold on until the end under pressure when the Tahs regained the lead & stayed there to move up to 6th of the SR ladder upon full-time.

What a night it has been by the Waratahs in front of their home crowd at Allianz Stadium with the one point win v Highlanders. They fired off really well with back-to-back tries on the board while staying ahead in the opening half. Now they may have been struck with some discipline and defensive issues later on, but the Tahs answered the Highlanders 2nd revival well in a way to snatch back the lead off their hands before the clock ticks down & the match belongs to them with the win after full-time. This is good as it gets, especially when the Tahs now have a strong squad to hopefully advance into the Final 8 for another year starting with the QLD Reds next Saturday in Townsville.

And the Highlanders two-week Australian tour was not a good one really after their defeat last week v Western Force over in Perth. They’re happy to snatch some three-pointers (penalty goal) for a start before they turned things around later on including the lead for a while. However, at the same time, they were really in all sorts of pressure under a dangerous game where it proved costly in the end. The ill-discipline & defense wasn’t good, particularly with under 10 mins to go where not only they had to lose a man under yellow for the rest of the match but also lost another TRY before they’ve ran out of time once again. They may still hold on 8th for now but tough times ahead back home to Dunedin v Chiefs on Friday.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail