Ben Volavola scores his debut try for the Waratahs

by Brendan Bradford –

It would’ve been easy for the Waratahs to panic at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. But down 17-3 after barely quarter of an hour against a fired-up Reds side who had the benefit of a tough first-up game against the Brumbies last weekend, the Tahs refused to crack under the pressure.

Territory and possession stats were fairly even and if not for a couple of missed penalties and two unfortunate tries – one a poor defensive read from debutant Israel Folau on Reds winger Dom Shipperley, the other an opportunistic intercept by Reds inside-centre Ben Tapuai – they were right in the contest. The 14-point gap at halftime highlighted rustiness rather than lack of form.

Bernard Foley was excellent at fly-half

What was really impressive was how they worked their way back after the break. Their first period of sustained attack in the second half coincided with one of their best passages of play. Forwards Dave Dennis, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Wycliff Palu linked up well and made great yardage to unleash the back line, allowing Bernard Foley to put Folau over for his first Super Rugby try.

A couple of minutes later, the forward pack showed the side’s fighting resolve as they pushed the Reds pack off the ball in a scrum five meters out from their own line.

The Waratahs’ second try was also an example of what they can do when they manage a bit of continuity. After five phases featuring touches by replacement front rowers Paddy Ryan, John Ulugia and Benn Robinson – whose combined impact off the bench was awesome – Foley linked with rookie playmaker Ben Volavola who dummied Mike Harris and sped 40-meters to score his first Super Rugby try.

Foley made the difficult conversion to level the scores with a quarter to play, but the Waratahs were unable to capitalise on the shifted momentum and the Reds landed a penalty before Tapuai scored his second of the night to steal a 25-17 win.

The Waratahs were a half-meter off in the first half and against a Reds side keen to atone for their first week loss to the Brumbies, the slow start left the New South Welshmen with just too much to do. But there were plenty of positives despite the loss.

Ben Tapuai celebrates his winning try.

Foley was excellent at fly-half. The 23-year-old marshaled the side well, threw the final pass for both tries and made a couple of important tackles on defence. A natural ball-player and dangerous runner, Foley offered width on attack and consistently looked to confront the line before linking with runners off either shoulder.

Volavola immediately injected himself into the game after replacing Adam Ashley-Cooper at the break. A dangerous runner in the Shute Shield for Southern Districts, he looked at home on the big stage and offered another dynamic angle of attack outside Foley.

Folau had a nervy start with a defensive mistake and a couple of handling errors, but showed glimpses of how dangerous he can be with ball in hand as the game went on. He’ll be better for the experience.

There was a bit of rust for the Tahs but if they can turn it around next week like the Reds did, all signs are good.

Reds – 25

Tries – Ben Tapuai (2), Dom Shipperley. Con – Mike Harris 2/3; Pen – 2/3

Waratahs – 17

Tries – Israel Folau, Ben Volavola. Con – Bernard Foley 2/2; Pen – Brendan McKibbin 1/3