Waratahs steal victory from Rebels

The Waratahs managed to comeback for a 31-26 win against the Rebels in Sydney for Round 3 of the 2013 Super Rugby tournament.

Both teams exchanged early penalties, but it was the Rebels who began creeping ahead throughout the first half.

The first try came from Ged Robinson, who scored off of a quick lineout move following his throw-in.  O’Connor converted the difficult kick.

The Waratahs did find some rhythm in the second half, with Bernard Foley scoring the home team’s first try. Israel Folau attacked the line and offloaded to Kane Douglas, who then quickly sent it off to Foley to get under the posts.

Foloau had another great touch as he spun out of a tackle and got pulled down just before the Rebels’ line. Hooper was quick in support and bashed his way through the defence and over the line.

The Rebels were still in contention, but Paddy Ryan came on, and ran his way through the Rebels defence to score his first career try, and third for the Waratahs.

With the score at 31-19 to the Waratahs at 79 minutes, all that the Rebels could hope for was getting within 7 and claiming a bonus points.

Kurtley Beale managed to make that happen as he slipped through a gap and dived over the tryline, and with the successful conversion, Rebels finished within 5.

Player of the match: Bernard Foley – Foley didn’t stay on the field the entire time, but the Waratahs’ playmaker seemed to ignite the backline every time he touched the ball, and was never afraid to have a go himself.

The scorers:

Waratahs:
Tries: Foley, Hooper, Ryan
Cons: McKibbin 2
Pens: McKibbin 4

Rebels:
Tries: G Robinson, Beale
Cons: O’Connor 2
Pens: O’Connor 4