Super Rugby AUS is officially underway after an entertaining evening at Pittwater Park, with the Western Force scoring three second-half tries to blow away the Waratahs, 24-3.
The competition started off in brilliant conditions in Sydney’s northern suburbs, with a vocal crowd filling out the western stand, coming out in force to enjoy a fun evening of Friday night footy.
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The Waratahs led for most of the half after a free-flowing but low scoring opening passage, with Sid Harvey impressing in his first match in blue.
However, while the hosts dominated at set piece, particularly the scrum, the Force stayed in touch thanks to several attacking weapons cutting the Tahs line to shreds.
The hosts hit the ground running early on, with the Force pinged for repeat infringements and receiving an official warning, with Harvey taking a penalty to record the first points of the competition.
However, upon the restart the Force capitalised, with Albert Alcock and Marley Pearce impressing at the breakdown.
The Tahs were caught on the backfoot on several occasions, with captain Matt Philip being sent to the bin in the 19th minute for a professional foul. However, the Tahs held the Force up over the line twice, while they scrum shut down the visitor’s go forward.
Both sides missed chances to score, with dewy conditions seeing several chances go begging with the line scoring.
The Force lost Bradley Kuhn and Boston Fakafanua to injury, however Sean Paranihi and Kurtley Beale proved effective, with the Force threatening to break the line late.
The Tahs would eventually concede a penalty with the clock red, and Max Burey took the penalty to see the scores locked up 3-3 at halftime.
However, the Force would not be denied in the second half, with Henry Robertson combining well with the backs to score the first try of the tournament, giving the visitors the lead for the first time.
The visitors extended ten minutes later, managing some dominance off the lineout, with Darcy Swain captialising to score. Burey would convert, and the hosts would extend to a two try lead.
The Tahs would turn to the bench at the 50th minute mark to try and turn the tide, shutting down the Force’s maul momentum.
The shutdown proved effective, with the Tahs wrestling back control in general play to pressure the Force on their line.
The Force survived, however, despite both sides breaking the line, neither could find the try line as they head into the closing stages of the match.
Despite the locals attempting a last-minute push in the closing stages, it would not be enough to claw back the deficit, with Mac Grealy taking advantage of some broken play in the closing stages to put the match beyond doubt.
NSW WARATAHS 3 (Pen: Sid Harvey 1/1 Cards: (Y) Matt Philip – 19’,) def by WESTERN FORCE 24 (Tries: Henry Robertson, Darcy Swain, Mac Grealy, Con: Max Burey 3/3 Pen: Max Burey 1/1)
