Waratahs down Blues in rugby trial match - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Waratahs down Blues in rugby trial match

28/01/2006 10:29:21 PM Comments (0)

Talent-rich NSW gave Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie some selection problems as his Super 14 team defeated a star-studded Blues combination 28-21 in a trial match at Central Coast Stadium.

The Waratahs scored three tries to two and actually expanded their 13-7 lead in the second half when the Blues fielded their stronger line-up.

The visitors fielded ten All Blacks in the second half, but made few in roads against an NSW combination which included just five Wallabies.

Prize NSW recruit Wendell Sailor had few opportunities on the wing during the first half, but displayed neat footwork on the occasions he got the ball and also came infield looking for work.

It was the Waratahs' second straight trial win following their 21-5 conquest of the Brumbies last week, while the Blues, coached by former Brumbies mentor David Nucifora slipped to another defeat following a loss to Queensland last week.

Fullback Peter Hewat gave NSW a 3-0 lead with an early penalty, but the Blues hit back with a converted try to halfback John Senio.

NSW retaliated through a try to centre Morgan Turinui off a pass from five-eighth Sam Norton-Knight.

Hewat added the only points of the second quarter with a 47 metre penalty after the siren.

The Waratahs' second half line-up started in perky fashion, with Rocky Elsom, who had been switched from flanker to lock, crossing off a pass from young fullback Daniel Halangahu.

All Blacks speedster Joe Rokocoko squeezed over in the left hand corner to help cut the deficit to six points.

However a Tim Donnelly penalty and a try to Stephen Hoiles gave the Waratahs an imposing 28-14 lead.

The only score of the final quarter was a try after the fulltime siren to inside centre Luke McAllister who converted his own five-pointer.

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