Waratahs woes continue with 40-16 loss against Brumbies

Brumbies 40 Waratahs 16

This season is unfolding into a slow, churning nightmare for the Waratahs and their fans. Another game, another defeat, this time against the Brumbies, the fifth straight loss of this season. It is hard to know where they can go from this defeat, especially as coach Darren Coleman’s future remains uncertain.

In difficult wet conditions in the first half the Waratahs were blown off the park by the Brumbies’ pack who dominated the possession and the penalty count, as referee Nic Berry penalised NSW consistently for not rolling away at the tackle and also at the breakdown. They defended bravely, but there was a sense of inevitability as the Brumbies consistently broke the gainline, that eventually converted into points from the boot of Noah Lolesio.

The second half provided some brief glimpses of positivity, with Max Jorgensen showing a real urge to attack and hooker Julian Heaven the pick of the forwards alongside breakaway Charlie Gamble. Unfortunately, as soon as the Waratahs put together a brief period of attacking play, the Brumbies were ready to pop their bubble and delighted in outmuscling them all over the park. The Brumbies No.8 Charlie Cale was outstanding in Canberra and will have put himself into Joe Schmidt’s thoughts with a strong performance in one of most hotly contested Wallabies jumpers there is.

Key points

A decision needed on the coach: There is currently a review from Rugby Australia in tandem with the Waratahs board, looking at the whole of the organisation, with the future coach a key decision. After another defeat for the Waratahs, there needs to be a decision one way or another on Darren Coleman’s future to give the players and the coach himself clarity. With each defeat, the pressure cranks up, and this instability cannot be helping the players ahead of each game. Hopefully, a decision will come sooner rather than later for everyone at the Waratahs.

Bell injury: One of Australia’s most important players Angus Bell went down early in the first half with what looks to be a reoccurrence of his foot injury, and he was in significant discomfort as he limped off the field. The loosehead prop is critical not only for the Waratahs, but also for the Wallabies and the watching Joe Schmidt will have been watching nervously to see where this injury will leave a key part of his plans going forward.

Tough journey ahead for Tahs: The Waratahs’ upcoming fixture lists makes uncomfortable viewing for NSW fans, the Crusaders are up next in Sydney, followed by the Chiefs, the Hurricanes on the road in Wellington and then up against the Brumbies back in Sydney. A win is absolutely not impossible, but on current evidence it looks unlikely. After so many close losses, tonight really showed the big difference in class between the Waratahs and the Brumbies on the field. The road ahead is just as difficult, if not more so.

A little bit of Heaven: After so much negativity, in what is shaping up to be a bleak season for the Waratahs, hooker Julian Heaven was a bright glimpse of what is possible. Heaven has enjoyed an interesting rugby journey, starting his career in France with Lyon, before returning home two years ago, and eventually making his debut in Super Rugby this year. He was exceptional in the loose tonight and did not stop fighting for his team. It was also good to see the talented young halfback Teddy Wilson getting some minutes, with his crisp passing bringing an urgency on the field.

Harrison Goddard scores against the WaratahsCredit: Getty

A quick recap, the Waratahs have lost their fifth Super Rugby game in a row, this time in Canberra going down 40-16.

The Waratahs had an extremely poor first half in wet conditions, losing the penalty count and looking bereft of ideas.

The second half provided infinitely more promising scenes with hooker Julian Heaven, fullback Max Jorgensen the bright sparks and Charlie Gamble fighting at every breakdown and eventually getting rewarded with a try.

Waratahs captain Jake Gordon is struggling to find words to explain another defeat every week and who can blame him.

“They made it really tough for us especially in these conditions and I thought they did a really good job,” Gordon said.

They won the territory battles and we defended really wellwhich was really pleasing but they put a lot of heat around our breakdowns.”

It’s hard to know where the Waratahs can go from here, the Crusaders in Sydney next week will not be the soft landing they so desperately need.

Absolutely incredible hands from the Brumbies that would make their coach Stephen Larkham proud, it was pass the pill all the way down the line with No.8 Charlie Cale the last man there and happily diving over the line to get the bonus point.

That sums it up, Dylan Pietsch goes over for the Waratahs in the final minute and is held up, it’s game over.

This is a really tough situation for the Waratahs and it’s not getting any easier with the Crusaders at home in Sydney next.

Brumbies 40 Waratahs 16

Hudson Creighton of the Brumbies looking for space in CanberraCredit: Getty

The roadrunner himself, Corey Toole goes over for the Brumbies after rapid hands in the Brumbies’ backline. It almost seemed too easy.

Noah Lolesio converts, extending the Brumbies lead to 17 points.

It’s been the story of the game, such brief glimpses of light from the Waratahs are immediately snuffed out by this ruthless Brumbies outfit. We have ten minutes to go and it’s hard to see the Waratahs fight back from this.

Brumbies 33 Waratahs 16

Tane Edmed of the Waratahs runs the ball in CanberraCredit: Getty

This is impressive, Heaven throws perfectly to the giant Miles Amatosero who sets up a rolling maul and Charlie Gamble gets over for a try.

Harrison converts cleanly with a beautiful strike. We’ve got a game with 15 minutes to go.

Brumbies 26 Waratahs 16

Some positivity for Waratahs fans. Julian Heaven is looking very good at hooker in the loose, showing a real appetite to carry.

The promising Teddy Wilson has also brought a lot more pace at halfback, could we have a fightback on?

Brumbies 26 Waratahs 9

A silly penalty conceded by the Waratahs for hands in the ruck, Lachie Swinton also getting into a scrap which is not wise when you’re the most noticeable man on the field for the referee with the distinctive peroxide hair style.

Noah Lolesio slots the penalty nad he’s 100% off the tee and the playmaker is putting a strong performance for Joe Schmidt.

James Slipper has left the field to warm applause.

Brumbies 26 Brumbies 9

Jake Gordon of the Waratahs passes in CanberraCredit: Getty

I typed far too soon.

The Brumbies took advantage of turnover ball, Rob Valentini absolutely brushed past the Waratahs’ Harry Johnson-Holmes and then poor Tane Edmed was the last man in defence on the line and got used as a speed bump despite his brave attempt to tackle.

Noah Lolesio converts.

The Waratahs will have to find a way to not lose confidence, it won’t be easy. The Brumbies have successfully popped their brief bubble.

Will Harrison is for the Waratahs to try and inject some new ideas into the beleaguered backline.

Brumbies 23 Waratahs 9

Dylan Pietsch of the Waratahs is tackled in CanberraCredit: Getty

Brumbies are penalised for coming into the side of the ruck and the Waratahs convert the penalty straight in front from Tane Edmed.

This is infinitely more promising stuff from the Waratahs with Max Jorgensen and Edmed looking dangerous with the ball in hand.

It’s like another Waratahs team have arrived in Canberra.

Brumbies 16 Waratahs 9

A lovely bit of play, Tane Edmed chips through, Max Jorgensen breaks through deep into the ACT half, but unfortunately throws a loose pass allowing the Brumbies to gather and settle down.

Promising start from the Waratahs who will be desperate to fight back here in Canberra, the season counts on it.

Harrison Goddard scores a try for the BrumbiesCredit: Getty