Tahs survive Chiefs onslaught
The Waratahs survived the loss of skipper Phil Waugh to record a 23-16 victory over the Chiefs.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 01/04/11 4:25pm
The Waratahs survived the loss of skipper Phil Waugh to record a 23-16 victory over the Chiefs.
Waugh, struggling with a calf injury, hobbled off 10 minutes into the second half to be replaced by Pat McCutcheon.
The Waratahs had been in complete control when Waugh left the field, however his departure saw the home side lose their composure - allowing the Chiefs to stage a spirited fightback.
But despite facing a near full 30 minutes of constant pressure, the Waratahs were able to cling on.
The home side's pack had provided the early platform for the win as they hammered away at the Chiefs forwards.
After a series of breakdowns in the Chiefs 22, Atieli Pakalani ghosted through a gap in the Chiefs defence to open the scoring after four minutes, with Kurtley Beale converting
Two Mike Delany penalties sandwiched a three-pointer from Beale before the visitors were reduced to 14 men when prop Nathan White was sin-binned for repeated infringements at the scrum.
Control
The Tahs took full advantage as another collapsed set-piece saw them awarded a penalty try.
Beale added the conversion before slotting over another penalty on the stroke of half-time.
The hosts looked to be in control at the start of the second period before they began to lose their way after Waugh had gone off.
Full-back Tim Nanai-Williams finally crossed for the Chiefs as he dived over the top of the breakdown, with Delany's penalty cutting the deficit to seven points.
Delany twice missed shots at goal as the Chiefs took control of play - with the Waratahs dropping off tackles and conceding penalties - before he finally slotted over a three-pointer.
But despite all their possession and territory, the Chiefs couldn't find a way through - and Beale's late penalty made sure of a home win.
