Force stun the Waratahs
The Western Force pulled off a massive upset as they toppled the Waratahs 21-20 in Sydney.
Last Updated: 17/03/12 11:06am
The Western Force pulled off a massive upset as they toppled the Waratahs 21-20 in Sydney.
The Force had failed to register a win this season and few people gave them a chance of changing that against the much-fancied Waratahs.
However a 16-point haul from David Harvey, who joined the club this week on an initial four-match deal, and a second-half try from Samu Wara sealed the win.
Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tom Kingston both crossed for the Waratahs, while Daniel Halangahu slotted over 10 points - but the home side were guilty of committing too many errors.
The Force had got off to the worst possible start when a driving maul from Waratahs pack was finished off by an unlikely source in Ashley-Cooper after just four minutes. Halangahu converted.
The Perth franchise, though, responded brilliantly to dominate possession and territory - with debutant Harvey taking centre stage.
Sin-binned
Having slotted over a penalty, the full-back then went close with an intercept chance although he just didn't have the legs to make it to the line.
But with Dean Mumm harshly sin-binned after being adjudged to have slapped the ball out of Brett Sheehan's hands at a ruck, Harvey did cross for a try. James Stannard made the initial break before off-loading to Harvey, who dived over and then promptly tagged on the extras.
The Force looked to be in complete control but they were caught by a sucker punch as they pushed for a second try. Sheehan lost possession in the tackle and after Sarel Pretorius had hacked ahead, Kingston won the foot race for the try. Halangahu converted.
The visitors, though, had the final word of the half with Harvey's second penalty cutting the deficit to 14-13.
Ashley-Cooper thought he had crossed for his second try just after the break only for play to be pulled back for an obstruction. And the Force took advantage when Harvey was on target with another penalty.
Halangahu, though, kicked the home side back in front with two quick penalties, only for the Force to hit back once again. Good hands, particularly from Nathan Charles, released Wara out on the right for the winger to score.
And the Waratahs just couldn't find another way through the Force defence - with the final whistle met with boos from the home fans.
