The Waratahs managed to record what looked like it was to be an unlikely victory, when they beat the Reds 30-28 in Brisbane on Saturday. The ‘Tahs will be happy with their come-from-behind win in a game where the scoreline wasn’t a true reflection of the match itself.

Berrick Barnes opened up the scoring in the 19th minute, with a drop goal, when the Waratahs were given the advantage in the Reds’ 22m area, due to an infringement at the breakdown, for the ‘Tahs to take the lead. The Reds however, had different ideas and it back with a try a minute later, when Digby Ione punched through the middle of the Waratahs’ defense to set up a ruck 5m out. Quade Cooper put a long, flick pass to Daniel Braid, who looked like he had made a hash of things, but managed to cross the chalk and dot down for the try.

It was the Reds again who scored next, when captain, James Horwill crossed over early in the second half. Barnes made it a 6 point ball game when he slotted a penalty goal shortly thereafter. Each team scored another try a piece, the Reds’ being a penalty try after the Waratahs hit the ball into touch, over the line, when it looked clear that Genia would score. Time was all but up, the ‘Tahs were camped on the Reds’ line, a penalty followed, Phil Waugh tapped quick, set up the ruck, a flat pass went out to Palu, who crashed through some rather poor Reds defense to score under the posts and allow Halangahu to convert for the win.

My two cents worth:

• The Reds allowed the Waratahs to stay in the game by conceeding 15 penalties, 5 of which were slotted by the ‘Tahs.
• The Reds showed some good defense of there own line by not letting the Waratahs score more than two tries after spending a total of more than 5 minutes in the Reds’ 22m area.
• Digby Ioneshowed some good strength, breaking the ‘Tahs’ line twice.
• Quade Cooper showed that he is trying to put his off-field antics behind him and focus on the rugby. He had a great showing, stepping, ofloading, scoring drop goals. Look out fo an exciting season from him this year
• Tatafu Polota-Nau missed 6 tackles. That kak doesn’t fly in Super rugby.
• The Waratahsmissed 35 tackles in total, which probably explains why the Reds outscored them 3 tries to two. With those stats, the scoreline should have ben weighed much heavier inthe Reds’ favour.

Waratahs VS Reds 2010 Highlights: [WRNrugbynews]

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