Super Rugby: Waratahs beat the Brumbies 28-13 on Sunday
Sunday 22 March 2015 11:37, UK
Waratahs beat the Brumbies 28-13 on Sunday to get their Super Rugby title defence back on track in a match that shone a light on the best and worst of Australian rugby.
Waratahs beat the Brumbies 28-13 on Sunday to get their Super Rugby title defence back on track in a match that shone a light on the best and worst of Australian rugby.
Matches between the Waratahs and Brumbies are always bruising, physical battles and Sunday's clash at the Sydney Football Stadium kept faith with that tradition.
Tensions were high throughout. There were no fist fights but the ACT Brumbies' flanker David Pocock, a vocal supporter of same sex marriages, complained to the referee about homophobic slurs being made by the Waratahs players.
The Waratahs took the spoils in the match, thanks in part to some brilliant individual performances, none better than Israel Folau.
The full-back scored one try, threw the final pass for two others and looked dangerous every time he got his hands on the ball.
Bernard Foley, at fly-half, also played well for the Waratahs, scoring a try and kicking two penalties and two conversions while Kurtley Beale made some strong runs from centre.
The Brumbies had good some performers too. Matt Toomua scored a fine solo try in the third minute and Henry Speight was a constant threat on the wing.
Flanker Pocock also made a successful comeback after but overall, the Waratahs defended better and were more disciplined and got the rewards.
The win lifted the Waratahs to eighth place in the standings after six rounds and in position to challenge for the play-offs.
