HSBC Waratahs' winning run in South Africa comes to an end
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Sunday, 21 February 2010
NSWRU Media Unit
The HSBC Waratahs have suffered their first defeat in South Africa since 2008 after going down to the Stormers 27-6 at Newlands on Saturday (SAST).
HSBC Waratahs scrumhalf Luke Burgess.
HSBC Waratahs scrumhalf Luke Burgess. [2010 Super 14 Round 2 - Stormers v HSBC Waratahs; Newlands, Cape Town RSA; 20/2/10]
Phil Waugh gets welcomed to Newlands by the Stormers.
Phil Waugh gets welcomed to Newlands by the Stormers. [2010 Super 14 Round 2 - Stormers v HSBC Waratahs; Newlands, Cape Town RSA; 20/2/10]
Ben Mowen competes with 208cm lock Andries Bekker.
Ben Mowen competes with 208cm lock Andries Bekker. [2010 Super 14 Round 2 - Stormers v HSBC Waratahs; Newlands, Cape Town RSA; 20/2/10]
Al Baxter looks to offload.
Al Baxter looks to offload. [2010 Super 14 Round 2 - Stormers v HSBC Waratahs; Newlands, Cape Town RSA; 20/2/10]
Phil Waugh and Kurtley Beale get to grips with Schalk Burger.
Phil Waugh and Kurtley Beale get to grips with Schalk Burger. [2010 Super 14 Round 2 - Stormers v HSBC Waratahs; Newlands, Cape Town RSA; 20/2/10]
The Stormers scored a try either side of half-time to turn the momentum their way, and followed it up with a third midway through the half to seal the victory.
The loss curbed celebrations for a number of Tahs players who achieved personal milestones during the match. Daniel Halangahu came on from the bench to play his 50th match for the state, Will Caldwell became the most-capped NSW second rower in the history of Super Rugby and Phil Waugh surpassed Matt Burke as the second most-capped Waratah of all-time. Hendrik Roodt also made his Super 14 debut from the bench during the second half.
It was also a disappointment for the 'Waratahs Propagators', a group of around 20 family members who have travelled to the Republic to support the players.
Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen missed a chance to open the scoring in the eleventh minute through a penalty, but Berrick Barnes made no such mistake seven minutes later.
The tide started to turn in the 30th minute when the Stormers were awarded a try by the television match official in controversial circumstances. After a series of forward forays on the Tahs line, referee Keith Brown called for a decision to go upstairs. Despite no conclusive video evidence that a try had been scored, the decision was awarded in favour of the home side. The call came as a huge surprise to the large Stormers crowd who sat in silence during replays and were stunned to see the try awarded.
The Stormers went further ahead through two penalties late in the half to take a 10-point lead into the break.
Straight after half-time Barnes closed the margin to a converted try with a penalty, however that was quickly countered when Bryan Habana charged down a clearing kick and regathered to score under the posts.
The Tahs continued to press hard, however were confounded repeatedly by a dedicated Stormers defensive line. The Stormers all but sealed the game in the 55th minute when they went down the short side from a scrum with Habana coming way off his wing to beat the defence and score his second.
Pietersen's conversion extended the score to 27-6, and despite opportunities for both teams in the final quarter of the match, neither side could add to the scoreline.
The HSBC Waratahs will remain in Cape Town for the start of the week before flying to Pretoria for their round three clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday.
Stormers 27 (Bryan Habana 2, Francois Louw tries; Joe Pietersen 3 cons, 2 pens) d HSBC Waratahs 6 (Berrick Barnes 2 pens) at Newlands, Cape Town. HT: Stormers 13-3. Referee: Keith Brown (NZL).
By the clock
11th - Joe Pietersen missed penalty attempt
18th - Berrick Barnes penalty goal. HSBC Waratahs 3-0
30th - Francois Louw try; Joe Pietersen con. Stormers 7-3
38th - Joe Pietersen penalty goal. Stormers 10-3
40th+ - Joe Pietersen penalty goal. Stormers 13-3
42nd - Berrick Barnes penalty goal. Stormers 13-6
43rd - Bryan Habana try; Joe Pietersen conversion. Stormers 20-6
55th - Bryan Habana try; Joe Pietersen conversion. Stormers 27-6