The grit of the NSW Waratahs held the table-topping Chiefs to their lowest points and try totals for a game this season yet they could not back it up with the precision to capitalize.
The Chiefs claimed the night 24-14 at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
What did we learn?
1 BIG DEFENCE GIVES YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN GAMES
The Waratahs did a terrific job in defence in multiple ways.
There was a clear tactic to hold the Chiefs runners up off the ground when the chance arose as No.8 Will Harris did early in the game. The Waratahs got in the faces of the Chiefs’ attackers too and forced handling mistakes.
On top of that, the scramble on defence on the tryline just before half-time to deny the Chiefs was superb, including prop Harry Johnson-Holmes getting over the ball to earn a relieving penalty.
Ned Hanigan (17), Lachie Swinton (16) and Dave Porecki (16) led the tackle count but there were contributions everywhere.
Defence takes many forms. In the first half, it was also how well the Waratahs contested at the lineout including a clean steal on the jump by lock Jed Holloway and partner Hanigan harassing Brad Weber into a dropped ball at the back of a lineout.
Chiefs centre Alex Nankivell knocked-on twice in the face of the wave of sky blue jerseys.
2 DISJOINTED ATTACK
The defence created a chance but the clunky attack meant there was never really a chance to make anything of it.
The defensive pressure enabled halfback Jake Gordon to shoot out of the line and grab an intercept for a long-range try.
Holloway getting through the line and offloading was a little highlight that happened all too rarely on attack.
When the Waratahs were trailing just 17-14 midway through the second half, a kick catch, spin and return by winger Mark Nawaqanitawase was the opportunity to strike.
In the play that followed, prop Tom Lambert just got in the way and dropped the ball. Chance gone.
The Waratahs have plenty to do to sharpen up their attack.
3 WALTON BACK IN BLUE
Inside centre Joey Walton relished starting again after a wretched run with injuries.
His starch was most influential when making 14 tackles.
He'll have the chance at No.12 again and will be looking to add more on attack.
4 100 UP FOR McKENZIE
Quicksilver Chiefs back Damian McKenzie has been putting smiles on faces since his Super Rugby debut in 2015.
That’s not just for his fans in Hamilton but rugby lovers across the competition because he’s just a joy to watch.
He’s always backed his running, stepping and creativity. The Waratahs did well to keep him in check in his 100th Super Rugby game.
How the All Blacks use him at the World Cup will be interesting.
5 NO-ARMS REF
Referee Jordan Way made no effort to use his arms when confronted by a rampaging Nemani Nadolo.
Nadolo’s crash ball run after a Waratahs lineout win might have floored the ref if Way didn’t backpedal quickly and with balance.
Regardless, the TMO will show there was no effort to use his arms in his escape.
