Waratahs stutter to victory

The Waratahs continued their winning start to 2009 as they eked out a 15-11 victory over derby rivals the Reds on Saturday, but it was far from entertaining.

Despite their contrasting Super 14 positions of second and 10th pre-game, it could, and has been argued that the Reds are playing the more entertaining rugby thus far.

And with a confidence-boosting victory over the toothless Cheetahs last weekend in their pocket, the Reds matched their title-chasing opponents in most facets of play.

However, in a match that was expected to see two different styles collide, the four points were eventually claimed by the more conservative outfit with the visitors only adding to their winless run in New South Wales.

Two fine immediate touch-finders from the Reds, first from Peter Hynes and then Quade Cooper, pushed them from their own line to within two metres of the 'Tahs' as the visitors set about enhancing their flamboyant tag early on.

But any aspirations they had of upsetting the league position applecart within five minutes was smashed by flanker Phil Waugh's umbrella rush tackle on Mark McLinden, which lifted the home crowd to their feet and took the league convert off his.

What followed saw the Waratahs back-row at their best - albeit from a Tatafu Polota-Nau overthrow - as the now attacking Waugh snaffled on the loose ball before offloading to Wycliff Palu. From the following phase it was the turn of the tight three to show their worth and that they did with Wallaby prop Benn Robinson sneaking over to take the scores to 7-0.

Kurtley Beale converted, however Queensland cut the deficit as Ben Lucas hit two penalties in the space of two minutes.

Beale responded with a penalty of his own, however the Reds entered the interval 11-10 in front when Test ace Hynes crossed for the 16th Super 14 try of his career.

Berrick Barnes and McLinden combined to send the winger over seconds before the hooter, however Lucas missed the conversion.

The period was a much tighter affair - with a mistake by Hynes ultimately costing the Reds 15 minutes from time.

Hynes was stripped of the ball as he looked to clear and former rugby league international Timana Tahu raced in from 40m to score to decisive try.

The Waratahs have now won four on the bounce in Super 14 and are unbeaten at home in their past 10 matches.