HSBC Waratahs edge out the Highlanders
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Saturday, 1 March 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
A missed penalty after the siren saw the HSBC Waratahs collect their second victory of the season with a 15-12 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Beau Robinson with strong support
Beau Robinson with strong support
Courage under fire ... Kurtley Beale takes on the Highlanders defence
Courage under fire ... Kurtley Beale takes on the Highlanders defence
Lote Tuqiri in space
Lote Tuqiri in space
Tom Carter hits the line with Phil Waugh in support
Tom Carter hits the line with Phil Waugh in support
Luke Burgess sideline run in the wet
Luke Burgess sideline run in the wet
Sekope Kepu pops a ball early in the game
Sekope Kepu pops a ball early in the game
Lachie Turner spies a gap
Lachie Turner spies a gap
Try time for Ben Jacobs.
Ben Jacobs crosses against the Highlanders.
Unstoppable ... Wycliff Palu
Unstoppable ... Wycliff Palu
After coming back from a 12-3 deficit late in the first half, the Waratahs led by three points in the dying stages when they were awarded a penalty inside the last minute.
Despite moving the ball close to halfway and being one successful lineout away from victory, referee JC Fortuin awarded a penalty to the Highlanders, with fullback James Wilson stepping up for a shot at goal.
Wilson's kick however sailed wide with Lote Tuqiri belting the ball into touch to put an end to proceedings.
The game was characterised by turnovers as would be expected in the wet conditions, however it was the inability of the Waratahs to turn possession into points which proved frustrating early in the match.
It was the Highlanders who claimed first blood with a well-worked try from the scrum-base.
Using the new five-metre gap to the backline under the Experimental Law Variations, the Highlanders wheeled the scrum to create a huge blindside with Fetu'u Vainikolo crashing over out wide.
In the 21st minute Tim Donnelly was yellow carded for a professional foul, with Kurtley Beale reducing the margin to 5-3 with a successful penalty.
With a one-man advantage, the Waratahs continued to put the Highlanders defence under pressure but couldn't broach the line.
In the end a turnover proved costly, with replacement lock Adam Thomson toeing ahead twice from 60m out to score under the posts and extend the lead to 12-3.
The Waratahs continued to apply the blowtorch, and in the shadows of half-time Ben Jacobs finally scored. Beale converted to see the Highlanders lead 12-10 at the break.
The Waratahs were on top right from the outset in the second half, but could not post points. Tatafu Polota-Nau was held up in the 50th minute, Beale hit the posts on a penalty shortly after, then finally a slice of luck saw the Waratahs take the lead... but at a cost.
A kick ahead from the Highlanders was snatched out of mid-air by Ben Jacobs who set sail for the line. An ankle tap brought him down close to the touchline, however he was able to offload to Wycliff Palu who crossed in the corner.
Upon scoring, Jimmy Cowan caught Palu high, with the big No.8's reaction earning the ire of referee JC Fortuin who yellow carded him.
Beale's conversion went wide with the score remaining 15-12, however a penalty on halfway from the Palu infringement gave the Highlanders the opportunity to immediately square the match up.
Wilson's penalty attempt hit the upright, with the Waratahs maintaining their three point advantage.
Both sides had their opportunities in the final quarter of the match to score more points, with the Waratahs continuing to play positively even with 14 men on the field.
As the Highlanders full time penalty attempt went wide, the Waratahs had earned their second win of the season, while the Highlanders earned a bonus point for their third close loss of the season.
The Waratahs' two tries will see HSBC donate a further $1000 to the HSBCkids charity, bringing the season tally to $4000.
The HSBC Waratahs fly back to Sydney on Sunday before meeting the ACT Brumbies in a local derby at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday, 7 March.
HSBC Waratahs 15
Tries: Ben Jacobs, Wycliff Palu
Cons: Kurtley Beale 1/2
Pens: Kurtley Beale 1/2
Highlanders 12
Tries: Fetu'u Vaikikolo, Adam Thomson
Cons: James Wilson 1/2
Pens: James Wilson 0/2
By the clock
15th - Fetu'u Vainikolo try; James Wilson missed conversion. Highlanders 5 HSBC Waratahs 0.
21st - Kurtley Beale penalty goal. Highlanders 5 HSBC Waratahs 3.
20th - Tom Donnelly yellow card.
29th - Adam Thomson try; James Wilson conversion. Highlanders 12 HSBC Waratahs 3.
38th - Ben Jacobs try; Kurtley Beale conversion. Highlanders 12 HSBC Waratahs 10.
Half-time: Highlanders 12 HSBC Waratahs 10
51st - Kurtley Beale missed penalty.
59th - Wycliff Palu try; Kurtley Beale missed conversion. HSBC Waratahs 15 Highlanders 12.
59th - Wycliff Palu yellow card.
60th - James Wilson missed penalty.
80th - James Wilson missed penalty.
Full-time: HSBC Waratahs 15 Highlanders 12