Tahs overcome the Force
New South Wales scored the only points of the second-half to score a comeback victory over bottom-placed Western Force.
Last Updated: 22/03/10 11:24am
New South Wales scored the only points of the second-half to score a comeback victory over bottom-placed Western Force.
The Perth-based side picked up their first point of the Super 14 season by losing by fewer than seven points, but they might have had a bigger return on their minds as they led 10-8 at the break.
But the Waratahs pulled through despite showing little of their running capabilities in a match dominated by the high penalty count.
Drew Mitchell and Scott Staniforth exchanged first-half tries but two penalties from Daniel Halangahu in the second period were sufficient to give 'Tahs the points.
The sides traded early penalties before New South Wales winger Mitchell, appearing against his former side for the first time, dotted down in the 16th minute when he beat Staniforth to Halangahu's grubber kick.
Berrick Barnes missed the conversion and soon after Force were in front when Barnes saw his pass picked off by winger Staniforth, who sprinted 60 metres to touch down unopposed between the posts.
O'Connor's conversion gave the Force the half-time lead, but the Waratahs were back in front in the 56th minute when Halangahu, taking over from Barnes, nudged over a penalty.
Halangahu extended the lead eight minutes later and although Force attacked strongly for much of the final quarter, the Waratahs defence held firm to secure a fourth triumph in six games.
