Share

Waratahs edge out Brumbies

Sydney - Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau fractured his forearm and several other Wallabies were injured as the Waratahs beat Super Rugby leaders Brumbies 28-22 at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

On the eve of the announcement of the preliminary squad for three tests against the British and Irish Lions, likely selections Polota-Nau, flanker George Smith (knee) as well as centres Christian Lealiifano (leg), Rob Horne (eye) and Pat McCabe (leg) left the field injured.

There was better news for the watching Wallabies coach Robbie Deans in the performance of Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes, who came off the bench at halftime to score a fine individual try, set up another and kick seven points.

VIDEO: Waratahs v Brumbies - highlights


The victory, sealed by winger Peter Betham's try six minutes from time, kept the Waratahs in the hunt for a spot in the Super Rugby playoffs and delighted skipper Dave Dennis.

"We were probably off in a few areas but still won the match, that's something we've been working on," the flanker said in a pitchside interview.

"It was always going to be physical so you were always going to get those sort of injuries."

Smith, who had been expected to be recalled for the Lions series, led the Brumbies back row who dominated the breakdown before his departure, which had prevented the Waratahs from getting the quick ball their new attacking style required.

The Brumbies started the brighter and number eight Ben Mowen did his Wallabies chances no harm by crashing over the line to score the first try of the match after 22 minutes.

Centre Tevita Kuridrani then charged down Waratahs winger Drew Mitchell's defensive kick three minutes before halftime to send the visitors into the break 13-6 up.

Barnes, who had played less than a half of rugby this season because of injuries, came on as a halftime replacement for Horne, though, and had an immediate impact.

Five minutes after the break, he drew two defenders and drilled a brilliant pass to flanker Michael Hooper, who turned on the afterburners to score in the corner.

Barnes converted to square up the scores at 13-13 and then put the home side ahead with a penalty before Brumbies fullback Jesse Mogg converted three penalties in 10 minutes to give his side a 22-16 lead with 17 minutes to play.

Two minutes later, though, Barnes glided through the Brumbies defence and crashed over the line under two tacklers to put the Waratahs within a point of the lead.

Scorers:

Waratahs
– Tries: Michael Hooper, Berrick Barnes, Peter Betham. Conversions: Barnes (2). Penalties: Brendan McKibbin (2), Barnes.
Brumbies
– Tries: Ben Mowen, Tevita Kuridrani. Penalties: Christian Lealiifano, Jesse Mogg (3).

Teams:


Waratahs:
15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Crawford, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (captain), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson

Substitutes: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Will Skelton, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Matt Lucas, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Peter Betham

Brumbies:
15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joseph Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 George Smith, 6 Peter Kimlin, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio

Substitutes: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Fotu Auelua, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Pat McCabe, 22 Robbie Coleman
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE