The Waratahs have ended an 8-year, 11-month-long streak, finally beating the Chiefs 21 – 14 in Sydney
The win shook up the ladder and the competition, with the Chiefs losing their top spot to the Crusaders, and the Waratahs moving up to fourth following the stunning upset.
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The Waratahs dominated the first half and crossed for four tries, but two were called ‘no try’ after reviewing the footage.
The first try of the game looked to be scored by Teddy Wilson but was rescinded after reviewing the footage as a knock on.
Later in the game, Lalakai Foketi scored a try, but after TMO the referees called it no try because his foot hit the ground simultaneously to the ball.
On the Waratahs team, both Joseph Suaalii and Jamie Adamson are standout players this game, majorly assisting their team.
Suaalii had 11 carries, over 102m for the game, assisting multiple tries and scoring the first try, and overall having a major positive impact for the team.
Adamson, after making his first ever start for the Waratahs, made 27 tackles, and was a valuable member for the Waratahs defence, aiding their win with a late turnover.
The Waratahs capitalised on the yellow card for Chiefs player Gideon Wrampling after running the full length of the pitch to score a try that will go down in history as one of the best in the competition.
Andrew Kellaway got the ball in the Chiefs try zone, then passes to Suaalii at halfway, who passes it back to Kellaway, who passes it over Cortez Ratima’s head to Wilson, who finally scored the try.
In the second half Samipeni Finau was able to score off a penalty, after making a gradual push to their tryline to bring their score up.
Chiefs star player Damian McKenzie was well off his best, making seven fumbles in a tough night for the All Black.
The game ended after 28 phases of the Chiefs, finally ending in a ‘no–try’ after a double knock-on.
The win came despite the final penalty count being 18 – 5, against the Waratahs as Miles Amatosero copped a yellow card in the last 10 minutes following 6 penalties in a row.
The Waratahs have still not lost a home game, and the support from their fans may be helping them set new records as the NSW chant rung around Allianz Stadium.
They first edned a losing streak first against the ACT Brumbies and once the Waratahs have done it again, ending the 9 year losing streak against the Chiefs.
Tries: Suaalii, Reilly, Wilson
Cons: Creighton 3/3
Tries: Carter, Finau
Cons: McKenzie 2/2
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Henry O'Donnell
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling, Shaun Stevenson, Damian McKenzie
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Profit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Stu Curran
TMO: James Leckie
