Waratahs hold off the Rebels
The Waratahs held off a late fightback from the Rebels to secure a 30-21 victory in Sydney.
Last Updated: 21/04/12 12:38pm
The Waratahs held off a late fightback from the Rebels to secure a 30-21 victory in Sydney.
The home side had led 30-7 after an hour before the Rebels - inspired by Australia full-back Kurtley Beale - came back into the contest.
Bernard Foley, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Rob Horne all crossed for tries, while Brendan McKibbin added 15 points with the boot - however the bonus score eluded them.
The Rebels, though, gave them a scare as Tim Davidson and Lachlan Mitchell added late scores to Ged Robinson's earlier effort - with James O'Connor, Beale and Julian Huxley adding one conversion apiece.
However the visitors left themselves with just too much to do.
The Waratahs came flying out of the blocks as they opened the scoring after just 26 seconds. With the pack having snaffled the ball form the kick-off, quick hands and superb running lines opened up the Rebels defence for Foley to score.
McKibbin added the conversion and then extended the lead with two penalties as the Waratahs took control.
Drive
The Rebels were their own worst enemy in the opening quarter with mistakes littering all aspects of their play. However they finally showed what they can do when Robinson crashed over from a textbook catch and drive from a lineout. O'Connor converted.
The home side, though, moved 16-7 in front with a third successful penalty from McKibbin.
The Rebels had a great chance to cut the deficit before the break - but after 14 phases camped on the Waratahs line, they coughed up possession.
And the Waratahs made them pay as they extended their lead six minutes into the second period when Polota-Nau crashed over in the corner for a simple lineout move - with the Rebels guilty of not defending the short side. McKibbin added the extras.
The home side effectively put the game out of the sight when Horne crashed over from close range. McKibbin converted.
Horne's joy was shortlived, though, when he was yellow carded for a tip-tackle on Beale shortly after.
And the Rebels took full advantage of having the extra man as Davidson powered over after the visitors enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure. Beale added the extras.
Mitchell made it interesting when he finished off Beale's break with six minutes left. Huxley cut the deficit to nine points.
The Waratahs finished the stronger, though, as they went searching for the bonus-point score - but the Rebels held out.
