Impressive Reds defence helps them to register their first win against Waratahs in seven years
Triumph for Reds as they at last win a game against Waratahs in seven years. Reds with their fabulous form in the Super XV overcame the challenge of their provincial rivals at Lang Park, Brisbane.
Reds and Waratahs were playing their 9th match of the Super XV on Saturday April 23, 2011.
Waratahs enjoyed more ball possession in the game than the Reds but even than failed to penetrate the Reds defence. Reds defence effort particularly during the second half can simply termed as impressive as they continuously absorbed the pressure of the
Waratahs forward line particularly during the second half.
Both teams started by playing open attacking rugby as Reds opened the scoring in the game in 7thminute. Cooper after missing a penalty kicked scored on his second penalty of the night. Waratahs forward line was able to find the gaps as they enjoyer more
ball possession and enjoyed more territory during the mid period of the first half. During this phase, they scored 9 points all coming from their Fly Half Kurtley Beale.
Reds showed glimpse of their attacking nature of the game as Quade Cooper ran 55 meters to score the only try of the game during the 34th minute. Cooper then kicked the drop goal during the last minute of the first half, leaving Waratahs trailing by seven
points at the end of the first half.
Reds strategy for the second half was all defence and hardly enjoyed ball possession or looked like gaining the territory to threaten the Waratahs except for the 78th minute penalty of Cooper. Waratahs during the second half spent approximately 20 minutes
near the Reds . Reds defence proved impenetratable as they absorbed the Waratahs forward line pressure.
During the game Waratahs used their Scrum strength effectively and at times looked like running over the Reds defence. However, in the end Reds stand firm and did fell apart to the Waratahs continuous attacks.
During the 40 minutes of ball and territory possession of the second half, Waratahs were able to score just six points that too coming from the penalties from the boot of Kurtley Beale.
The fly halves scored all points in the game. Cooper’s 19 points in the game did not help him to surpass James O’Connor as Cooper’s friend retains the Top Scorer title in Super XV. Reds next week will play against the Hurricanes at Wellington and start the
match as favourites.
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