Emphatic Waratahs Flag Rise Of New Era

Sun Herald

Sunday May 1, 2005

By GREG GROWDEN

WARATAHS 41 HIGHLANDERS 20

THE Waratahs last night secured a Super 12 finals spot and are within sniffing distance of a home semi-final after they proved Carisbrook is no longer their House of Pain by claiming a comfortable win over the Highlanders.

Wallaby teams have always hated travelling to Dunedin but NSW seem to grow almost every time they visit this cold, rugby-obsessed city and have enjoyed a succession of heroic triumphs here over the years.

However, none have been as crucial as last night's 21-point victory, as it ensured the Waratahs are on their way to their second Super 12 semi-final appearance, while they only need to pick up a few more points to guarantee a home final at Aussie Stadium. A win against either the Queensland Reds or Auckland Blues in the last two rounds should be enough to secure the home semi.

Adding to the NSW charge is that last night they conclusively out-manoeuvred and outmuscled one of the best packs in the Super 12, as well as scoring five tries against an opposition that has the best defensive record in this year's tournament. As impressive was the Waratahs' own defensive performance, particularly midway during the second half when they repelled numerous dangerous Highlanders attacks.

The visitors' forward play occasionally destabilised the Highlander pack, while their attack quickly dominated the home team, enabling them to earn another important bonus point when they scored try number four in the 68th minute. In the end, NSW were so dominant that it prompted exasperated Highlanders captain Anton Oliver to admit after the game: "We just couldn't get any possession or territory."

The return of Rocky Elsom to the NSW back row was crucial. One of the most dangerous players on the field, the tall breakaway was revelling in the open play and got involved in several midfield charges to eventually be named man of the match.

Elsom has had only limited time on the field this year but his excellent effort should assure him of a starting spot against the Reds in Sydney on Friday night.

NSW coach Ewen McKenzie said he was delighted his charges had retained their shape and direction against one of the most composed teams in the competition.

"We got the variety in the game, which we have been searching for," McKenzie said last night. "There was a really good balance and the guys led the charge in decision-making.

"The outstanding period of the game was when we defended near our own line for five or six minutes in the second half. This was the key because all the talk was based on the Highlanders being able to outmuscle us. We were quite happy to accept that challenge starting with the scrum and working our way through. Not only did we defend but we also pushed them back. We repelled them 25 metres."

It was soon clear NSW had decided the best way to get around the Highlanders was out wide, rather than in the middle of the field, prompting the Waratahs to repeatedly push their attack towards the sidelines.

This strategy brought about a stream of long cut-out passes, which worked sometimes but also led to embarrassing moments especially in the first minute, when it led to the Highlanders scoring the first try of the match from a misdirected NSW pass.

But the Waratahs were quick to get it together, controlling possession and territory.

WARATAHS 41 (M Turinui, P Waugh, C Shepherd, P Hewat, C Whitaker tries; Hewat 4 pen goals, 2 goals) beat HIGHLANDERS 20 (N Evans, N Brew tries; B Blair 2 pen goals, 2 goals). Crowd: Abt 18,000. Referee: C Joubert (RSA).

© 2005 Sun Herald

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