Super Rugby round six wrap: Waratahs defeat Brumbies in derby thriller, heartbreak for Rebels, Force

THE best was saved until last in round six as the Waratahs and Brumbies fought out a thrilling derby at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

THE best was saved until last in round six as the Waratahs and Brumbies fought out a thrilling derby at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

But that was just one of six fixtures that took place across the three nations this weekend, and we’ve got them all covered in our round six wrap.

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Matt Carraro is brought down by the Brumbies defence.

TAHS’ TITLE DEFENCE REVIVED

Sunday’s derby between the Waratahs and Brumbies was everything we’d hoped for.

It was fiery, it was fast and it was fearless.

Both teams came to play and backed themselves to the hilt.

After 80 gruelling minutes the Waratahs came out on top. The passes that went to ground against the Highlanders were sticking. The electric movement had returned.

NSW’s victory was ultimately a reward for its territorial and possession dominance. After falling 13-6 behind with 24 minutes gone, the Waratahs seemed to kick into another gear, determined not to let their rivals kick further away in the Australian conference.

Three outstanding tries — one scored by man of the match Israel Folau, the other two set up by the dominant fullback for Bernard Foley and Tolu Latu — confirmed the home side had regained its veuve and swagger from 2014.

The Brumbies lost no admirers after a tough defensive performance, but just like last year’s semi-final at the same venue, the Waratahs were simply too classy with the ball in hand.

Israel Folau offloads to Taqele Naiyaravoro.

GOOD ON YOU, POEY

David Pocock is admired both on and off the field, with his long list of social causes he champions making him a poster boy of Australian professional sportsmen.

That he is a bloody good player is just a bonus.

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So when Pocock approached referee Craig Joubert in the 67th minute and again in the 72nd to report alleged homophobic comments made on-field, Pocock again reaffirmed him commitment to stamping out vilification and prejudice of all kinds in sport.

The Brumbies have left the matter to SANZAR to deal with, but regardless of the outcome of that investigation, nobody can knock Pocock’s commitment to his cause.

HEARTBREAK FOR REBELS, FORCE

Mike Harris is one of Australia’s sharpest shooters, but two missed conversions proved the difference as the Rebels suffered a shock 20-16 loss to the Lions at AAMI Park.

Melbourne dominated the clash, owning 58% of possession, gaining making 50% more run metres than their opposition and making an incredible 70 less tackles.

But despite their statistical prowess, the Rebels were unable to create enough definitive chances to put the Lions away. With flyhalf Jack Debreczini missing, Harris shifted to number 10 but was outclassed by the quality of opposing pivot Marnitz Boshoff and second five Elton Jantjieswho combined for 15 of their side’s 20 points.

The Rebels have now lost seven home matches in a row.

A trip to South Africa is never easy but Sunday morning’s 25-24 loss to the Bulls was a bitter pill for the Force to swallow at Loftus Versfeld.

When you consider that the Force ran in three tries to one, the loss becomes just that little bit more soul-crushing.

There were positive signs for the Westerners, twice finding gaping holes in the home side’s defence to collect five points, while Sam Wykes’ try from a timely strip was a deserved reward for consistently strong performances.

ARE THE HURRICANES THE REAL DEAL?

They’re five from five, have scored twice as many point as they have conceded and have nabbed a couple of bonus points to boot.

Despite playing one less game than half the competition, the Hurricanes are sitting pretty on top of the Super Rugby table and have set tongues wagging.

Many are now asking if they are the real deal and can go all the way. On current evidence, the answer is yes.

TJ Perenara of the Hurricanes on the attack.

Since returning to New Zealand after dominating their three games abroad, the ‘Canes have been made to work by both the Blues and Highlanders, winning both games by one converted try.

Friday’s match in particular was a grind by the Hurricanes’ standards but still they were able to prevail, holding a comfortable 14-point buffer until Highlanders pivot Lima Sopoaga scored and converted late.

After showing their capacity to get the chocolates no matter the style of the game, the Canes enter Friday’s clash with the Rebels as raging favourites as they look to make it six from six in 2015.

CRUSADERS … WOW!

Whatever Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said to his side at half-time on Saturday, it worked.

At half time, the home side trailed the Cheetahs 14-10 after conceding two tries in three minutes of madness around the half-hour mark.

But led by the brilliant Dan Carter, the Crusaders piled on SEVEN second-half tries (including a penalty try), with all but one converted by the All Blacks legend.

How easy is this? Dan Carter jogs over the line against the Cheetahs.

Four of the tries, including the penalty try, came between the 51st and 57th minutes as the Cheetahs say their half-time advantage and victory hopes evaporate to little more than a pipe dream.

Carter fittingly sealed the victory with the final try himself, with the final scoreline a whopping 57-14 victory to the Crusaders.

While their form has been nothing short of temperamental this season, it is unquestionable that on their day, the Crusaders are genuine title contenders.

DO YOU EVEN RED CARD?

As far as one-try slog fests go, this was one for the ages.

Pat Lambie’s three penalty goals booted the Sharks to a 12-11 victory over the Chiefs in Durban, but the match will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, albeit the ones that made it semi-exciting.

Aussie referee Angus Gardner red-carded THREE players — Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis, centre Francois Steyn and Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot — within the first 28 minutes of the match, leaving just 27 players on the field for almost an hour of rugby.

Both teams defended as though their lives depended on it, with only Chiefs flanker Sam Cane crossing for a try, but inevitably it was the Sharks who prevailed in an epic battle thanks to Lambie’s sharp shooting.

Originally published as Super Rugby round six wrap: Waratahs defeat Brumbies in derby thriller, heartbreak for Rebels, Force