Super Rugby: Waratahs 45-25 Chiefs
Last Updated: 27/05/16 7:55pm
Tries from Andrew Kellaway, Michael Hooper and Israel Folau in the space of 12 second-half minutes propelled the Waratahs to a surprise 45-25 Super Rugby victory over the Chiefs on Friday.
The Waratahs struggled for possession and were hemmed in their territory for much of the game but their ability to score from deep secured victory on the road for the Australian side.
Daryl Gibson's side unleashed their best rugby of the season outscoring the Chiefs six tries to four, including doubles from Israel Folau and Michael Hooper, with Bernard Foley kicking six conversions and a penalty.
The Chiefs still lead the competition on 42 points, but they could be passed by the Crusaders, who sit just once point behind, when they face the Blues on Saturday.
The Waratahs made a fast start, with Bernard Foley slotting an early penalty before Folau intercepted a long pass from Chiefs scrumhalf Brad Weber. He ran 90 metres for a try that gave his side a 10-0 lead inside 10 minutes.
The competition-leading Chiefs, who had been pressuring the Waratahs before Folau's try, put it straight back on the home side with Seta Tamanaivalu pouncing on a fumble behind the tryline by Nick Phipps.
The visitors then exploited the blind side six minutes later, as fly-half Aaron Cruden strolled over untouched to level the score. Damian McKenzie gave the Chiefs a 13-10 lead they looked likely to hold until the break.
The Waratahs, however, stuck back again from long range. Wycliff Palu broke the line and Will Skelton then ran 25 metres before he fed Hooper to score under the posts and give the home side a 17-13 halftime lead.
The Chiefs retaliated in the second half, sending hooker Nathan Harris crashing over in the corner. But the Waratahs struck from deep twice in two minutes: both Kellaway and Hooper crossed to give their side a 31-18 lead.
Folau then grabbed his second after Phipps managed to squeeze out a pass close to the line, to give their side a 20-point lead.
Chiefs winger Toni Pulu then caught a delicate cross kick from flyhalf Cruden to reduce the deficit to 38-25. But Waratahs replacement Jack Dempsey scored with three minutes remaining and put the result beyond doubt.
