Brumbies 40 Waratahs 16
This season is unfolding into a slow, churning nightmare for the Waratahs and their fans. Another game, another defeat, this time against the Brumbies, the fifth straight loss of this season. It is hard to know where they can go from this defeat, especially as coach Darren Coleman’s future remains uncertain.
In difficult wet conditions in the first half the Waratahs were blown off the park by the Brumbies’ pack who dominated the possession and the penalty count, as referee Nic Berry penalised NSW consistently for not rolling away at the tackle and also at the breakdown. They defended bravely, but there was a sense of inevitability as the Brumbies consistently broke the gainline, that eventually converted into points from the boot of Noah Lolesio.
The second half provided some brief glimpses of positivity, with Max Jorgensen showing a real urge to attack and hooker Julian Heaven the pick of the forwards alongside breakaway Charlie Gamble. Unfortunately, as soon as the Waratahs put together a brief period of attacking play, the Brumbies were ready to pop their bubble and delighted in outmuscling them all over the park. The Brumbies No.8 Charlie Cale was outstanding in Canberra and will have put himself into Joe Schmidt’s thoughts with a strong performance in one of most hotly contested Wallabies jumpers there is.
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