The New South Wales Waratahs moved into first place in rugby’s Super 14 tournament with a 40-17 win over South Africa’s Cheetahs yesterday.
The Waratahs are level with the defending champion Bulls from South Africa with 28 points each, but lead on points differential.
The Bulls lost their first match of the season after six straight wins when they were defeated 32-17 by the Auckland Blues earlier yesterday.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The Waratahs led 23-3 at halftime. Rob Horne, in the 26th minute, capitalized on a clean break by his center partner Berrick Barnes, and prop Benn Robinson scored after the halftime siren had sounded.
Flyhalf Daniel Halangahu added both conversions, plus penalty goals in the ninth, 18th and 37th minutes for a five-from-five record in the opening half.
Waratahs front rower Al Baxter celebrated his 100th Super match with his first try for his team.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Baxter, Australia’s most capped prop with 69 tests, crossed in the 44th minute as the Waratahs scored five tries to clinch a bonus point.
Replacement halfback Josh Holmes added the final New South Wales try in the 78th minute, which man-of-the-match Berrick Barnes converted to complete the win.
The Cheetahs scored two late consolation tries through prop WP Nel and reserve Corne Uys.
Center Meyer Bosman converted both to add to a first-half penalty goal by flyhalf Naas Olivier.
At Mount Maunganui on Saturday the Waikato Chiefs scored two tries in a 12-minute second-half spell to beat the Otago Highlanders 27-21 and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
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