Waratahs far from perfect but plenty to build on following great escape against Stormers

THE Waratahs were far from perfect in their epic 34-27 win over the Stormers, but there’s plenty to suggest 2018 can be a great leap forward.

THE Waratahs were far from perfect in their epic 34-27 win over the Stormers, but there’s plenty to suggest 2018 can be a great leap forward.

Can the Waratahs threaten this season?

The result said yes. The scrum said maybe.

This was a Waratahs performance vastly improved on the spiritless dross displayed at the end of last season. The Waratahs could only go up, really, and they did so with admirable intent. They were far more aggressive, defended far better and winning a game after the siren doesn’t happen unless you’re a fit team.

The fight of the Waratahs to not give up in the dying minute was as good a sign as a coach could hope for in the opening round, too, despite the fact they probably could have saved him his fingernails by doing it far earlier.

It was a confidence boosting win for the Tahs.

The replay session this week however will show a mountain of opportunities to secure the win in regulation time, but for a nerve-racking oversupply of turnovers and dropped ball.

And as far as the season ahead is concerned, the Waratahs’ scrum is going to be targeted big time unless quickly improved.

It is fair to say the NSW scrum got bossed all night and while they’re good, the Cape Towners aren’t miles above the rest of Super Rugby in the discipline.

Sekope Kepu’s comeback next week can’t come quick enough but don’t be surprised if other teams take the Tahs on in the same area.

Are the backs worth their millions?

It’s not early bitcoin but you’d be happy with the return on investment.

Kurtley Beale lived up to his reputation as a magic-man with several incredible involvements — his first half quick lineout and second half regather from Foley’s kick were both eye-popping — but sadly none led to tries. (A couple of unpunished Israel Folau did bag a special try with a highball regather but as per usual, he didn’t see the ball enough. Curtis Rona did well to set up a try, too.

Bernard Foley looked a bit harried at times and the team followed suit. His composure remains crucial to the whole NSW shebang.

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Has the Waratahs’ defence got better?

After last year’s horrors, it could only get better and it did. The organisation, effort and sting was much more consistent.

The problem was more how often they gave themselves tackling practice.

Ball retention and discipline was poor, throughout the entire game. It gave the Stormers ample possession to score points.

And it cost NSW numerous chances to score points, too.

Literally the saving grace was the desperation displayed cover defence. Jake Gordon stopped two tries and Folau denied a certain score with a pearler.

Jake Gordon had a fine game at halfback.

Any new stars in blue?

Jake Gordon isn’t new but his impacts in the game — in attack and defence — showed he’ll be hard to remove when Nick Phipps returns from injury.

Damian Fitzpatrick isn’t new either but he appears to be nailing down that no. 2 jersey with a strong performance.

Debutant props Shambeckler Vui and Harry Johnson-Holmes also gave plenty of oomph when they came on in the second half, and the wing battle won’t get any less intense. Both Andrew Kellaway and his replacement Alex Newsome had nice touches.

Originally published as Waratahs far from perfect but plenty to build on following great escape against Stormers