1
Waratahs head to Johannesburg with 'belief'
By Online Editors
The Waratahs have plenty of things to fix ahead of their Super Rugby semifinal against the Lions in Johannesburg next weekend.
In an astonishing match, the Waratahs came from 6-23 down at half-time against the Highlanders in their quarterfinal in Sydney to eventually win 30-23.
It was a stunning turnaround, but the Waratahs were also helped by the fact that the Highlanders had one of their key players (Waisake Naholo) sent to the sin bin around the 50-minute mark.
In the 10 minutes that Naholo was absent, the Waratahs scored three converted tries to lead 27-23.
“I thought we were really poor in the first half,” said Gibson. “We lost four line-outs and we couldn’t get any possession, we couldn’t hang onto anything, we couldn’t string any phases together, we were getting behind in the penalty count, so on the balance, we played very poorly and still won the game.
“It shows we are a good side. We got plenty of growth in us.
“We got to fix those things up for next week, but those are things that are easily fixable.”
Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley said it was belief in their own abilities that got them through in the end.
“I think we always had the belief, we just got to keep nailing the big moments.
“I thought we missed some line-out delivery tonight, especially at crucial times.
“We allowed them to get a roll on in that first half with some silly errors and some ill-discipline at the rucks. We just got to be more clinical in those positions. I think the belief and the confidence was always there amongst this squad,” said Foley.
@rugby365
In other news:
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments