Mat Rogers contributed 26 points, including a brilliant solo try, to lead the New South Waratahs to a 43-19 upset win over the Canterbury Crusaders in a Super 12 rugby union match yesterday.
Fullback Rogers maintained a perfect kicking record, converting the Waratahs' four tries and adding five penalties, two from halfway, in a strong individual performance.
The Waratahs' win was achieved against a Canterbury side which has won three recent Super 12 titles, were finalists last year and whose starting XI included 11 World Cup All Blacks.
Many of the All Blacks' short-comings were apparent in the Crusaders' play. Their forward pack, which included seven internationals, failed to dominate and was frequently forced backwards by an eager New South Wales eight.
Canterbury's defense was also weak -- they missed 30 tackles -- and the Waratahs repeatedly broke their line around the fringes of rucks and in midfield.
No. 8 David Lyons and halfback Chris Whittaker were both responsible for inside breaks which led to tries while center Nathan Grey and Rogers were strong and elusive in midfield.
The Waratahs' four tries gave them a bonus point and a perfect start to the 2004 season on a ground where they were beaten 96-19 by the Crusaders two years ago.
"The first game of the season is desperately important, especially so when it's an away game," said Waratahs captain Chris Whittaker. "We got a hiding here a couple of years ago and I guess we buried a few demons today."
The visitors, who had given up the wind on winning the toss, commanded lineouts, fielded a strong scrum and out-muscled the Crusaders in loose play.
Their early attempts at running the ball broke down through handling errors but when they shored up that part of their game, they were unstoppable.
Waratahs flyhalf Tim Donnelly scored a try on debut in the 57th minute, put into a gap after Whittaker's inside break. Two further penalties from Rogers, including his last from halfway, gave them an unassailable 36-12 lead.
"I kicked a few points in my league days but haven't done it for a few years with Matt Burke there, Rogers said.
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