Try as they might, a brave Waratahs side have fallen short as the Chiefs extended their lead at the top of the Super Rugby standings with a 24-14 victory in Sydney.
For 40 minutes the Chiefs huffed and puffed and tried to blow Darren Coleman’s “house” down. But try as they might, an impenetrable defensive line held the Chiefs out as for once Damian McKenzie’s side found no way through the home side’s wall.
Extraordinarily, the Chiefs had 30 rucks inside the home side’s 22m line. The Waratahs didn’t have one. But the scoreline told an interesting story, with the score locked at 7-7 at half-time as Coleman’s men tried to tackle their way through their early season rut.
Emoni Narawa’s double meant the Chiefs continued their unbeaten start to the season as they scrapped past the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
More defensive grout would have to be found as the Waratahs started the second half shakily, but the Chiefs failed to take advantage of the prime position as, first, Brodie Retallick dropped the ball cold and, next, Brad Weber kicked out on the full.
Paying respect to the home side’s resilience, the Chiefs opted for another long-range shot at goals and this time McKenzie landed it.
The try eventually came as explosive winger Emoni Narawa burst his way through to help the Chiefs break out to a 10-point lead.
Not prepared to throw in the towel, the Waratahs started to get their hands on the ball and Michael Hooper scored from a clever lineout play.
But Narawa’s second, which came from a clever grubber in behind the defensive line, saw the Chiefs seal the match and continue their unbeaten run.
Jake Gordon scored an intercept try to put the Waratahs back on even terms. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
More to come…
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