Two tries from Israel Folau was not enough for the NSW Waratahs as they succumbed to their second heavy loss in as many weeks, going down 37-14Â to the Sharks in Durban.Â
Despite scoring only one less five-pointer than their South African opponents in a three tries to two encounter, the Waratahs have now conceded 92 points in their last two matches.Â
More Rugby Union Videos
Sharks too good for Waratahs
Three first half tries were enough for the Sharks to comfortably beat the Waratahs in Durban.
They will return to Australia deeply disappointed with their defensive efforts in Africa and will need to bounce back quickly in a highly-anticipated match against the Brumbies next weekend.Â
"We had some chances but weren't good enough with them," said Waratahs captain Michael Hooper. "The Sharks really put pressure on us from word go and we couldn't deal with it. It's been a successful tour on the training paddock. We haven't got the results but it's early doors in the season and we'll build from that.
![Israel Folau scored two tries in defeat for the Waratahs.](/web/20170412215200im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/w/6/2/z/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.guw601.png/1489320726245.jpg)
"We've got to take a lot from these two games and come back into Sydney and get up for the Brumbies."Â
NSW trailed from the get-go and were never really in the contest despite two tries from Folau, who made 121Â metres from 12 runs which included two line breaks and five tackle busts, in another excellent display following his one-try effort in Johannesburg against the Lions.Â
The Waratahs are working out how to get the best use out of Folau but they can't rely on his efforts alone to get them over the line against quality opposition.Â
After discussing at length during the week the need to tighten up their defence following a 55-36 loss to the Lions, the Waratahs went down a try within the first two minutes.Â
![Irae Simone of the NSW Waratahs on attack against the Sharks.](/web/20170412215200im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/w/6/2/y/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.guw601.png/1489284814573.jpg)
"We really came unstuck in those first few minutes where right from the kick-off we couldn't exit our own area," said NSW coach Daryl Gibson. "We gave away a lineout and then found ourselves seven points down."Â
However, the Waratahs cause was helped significantly when Sharks captain and five-eighth Patrick Lambie left the field early through injury, putting pressure on replacement kicker Curwin Bosch.Â
The 19-year-old was outstanding, booting six penalties and two conversions for a total of 27 points that also included a long-range try off the back of a costly handling error from the Waratahs.Â
Ill-discipline cost NSW yet again at times, with blindside breakaway Jack Dempsey sent to the sin-bin in the first half for a dangerous and careless lifting tackle.Â
There were periods of attacking fluency from the Waratahs though, with Folau looking particularly dangerous and threatening near the Sharks line in what was his best game of the year thus far.Â
Folau got the Waratahs on the scoresheet in the 29th minute after regathering a deft chip over the top from five-eighth Bryce Hegarty.Â
The rugby gods were on Folau's side after an auspicious bounce as the Waratahs strike weapon did the rest to bring the margin back to 11 points.Â
Consistent penalties and the ability to make the most of their opportunities saw the Sharks race out to a 31-7 lead, which would have caused Gibson to pull his hair out.Â
With NSW attacking deep in Sharks territory, once again the visitors coughed up the ball, thanks to a fumble from inside-centre Irae Simone, which resulted in Kobus van Wyk streaking down the field to score.Â
Against the run of play tries are coach killers and the Waratahs misfortune – or lack of polish, whichever way you want to look at it – brought back memories of the way England capitalised on Australia's mistakes in last year's June Test series.
"They really hurt the morale of the team," said Hooper of the two runaway tries. "You're up the other end and then you have to run back under the sticks. Tough to take." Â
Things started off better in the second half for the Waratahs when Sekope Kepu orchestrated a charge-down to get NSW in prime field position.Â
A couple of phases later Folau was over for his second try as the Waratahs brought the score back to 31-14 after 43 minutes.Â
It was, however, a largely uneventful second half, which saw the Waratahs empty out their bench and give former sevens star Cam Clark his first start in Super Rugby.Â
The Sharks were focused solely on playing territory rugby and were able to grind out their second win from three attempts against Australian teams thus far this year.Â
3 comments
New User? Sign up