Tahs tame toothless Lions

Mitchell scores four tries in comprehensive romp

Last updated: 14th March 2010  

Tahs tame toothless Lions

Mitchell: Try time

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Drew Mitchell ran in four tries as the Waratahs romped to a 73-12 victory over a toothless Lions outfit on Friday.

The Waratahs scored 11 tries in total for the first time in one Super Rugby game - with Mitchell's quadruple also a record for a NSW player.

The Lions simply had no answer to the full-frontal assault from the Waratahs - with the home side sealing the bonus point by the interval.

"We really tried to take advantage of our opportunities, and it paid off," Mitchell said.

Having previously been criticised for their conservative play in the past, the Waratahs thrilled the Sydney crowd as they looked to attack at every opportunity.

Will runs from deep and quick taps, the Lions were forced continually on the back foot.

Mitchell scored twice in either half, with his second try coming after he beat three defenders.

Josh Holmes (2), Lachlan Turner (2), Tom Carter, Dean Mumm and Wycliff Palu also scored tries, while Berrick Barnes landed nine conversions.

The Lions did manage two consolation efforts, with Tonderai Chavhanga and Janse van Rensburg both crossing for tries, while Burton Francis added a conversion.

Waratahs captain Phil Waugh, who played his record 119th match for the franchise, added: "The guys were trying to run the ball around and the conditions were dry, which helped with the handling.

"I think the guys were excited. It's important to get people to the game and we are aware of that so we are trying to play as entertainingly as possible and get people to the ground."