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NSW Waratahs squeeze out Reds in Super W thriller
By AAP
The NSW Waratahs have overcome a 10-point deficit to beat the Queensland Reds 31-30 in a thrilling top-of-the-table Super W clash in Sydney.
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The ladder-leading Tahs scored five tries to four at Concord Oval, making it four wins from as many matches to increase their lead over second-placed Queensland to four points heading into next week’s final round.
With their scrum performing well and their backs finishing off some good moves, NSW asserted themselves either side of halftime.
They rebounded from 17-7 down to lead 31-22.
A 74th minute penalty from impressive centre Cecilia Smith got the Reds to within six points and set up a dramatic finish.
Queensland lock Annabelle Coady’s second try just over a minute out from the end slashed the deficit to one, but Smith’s potential match-winning conversion was just off target.
NSW survived a multi-phase Reds attack In the dying seconds to close out a win.
Winger Desiree Miller scored two tries and t hree conversions for a 16-point haul, as NSW overcame their toughest challenge of the season.
“We went out there In the second half trying to stick to our game and we just got a bit sloppy in part,” Miller told Stan.
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“We always knew it was going to be a physical battle this week, definitely one of our biggest games this season.
NSW dominated early on and crossed in the sixth minute through prop Bridie O’Gorman, who crashed over the line from close range.
Stung into action, the Reds crossed just three minutes later in their first serious sortie into the opposing 22.
Five-eighth Carys Dallinger crossed after running around Smith and profiting from the latter’s great offload.
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Another Smith offload led to the Reds’ second try to winger Sam Curtis.
Smith converted and then kicked a penalty to give the Reds a 17-7 lead.
NSW hit back with Miller charging across the line after taking a fine pass from centre Georgina Friedrichs to get the Tah s within five points at the break.
It took NSW just four minutes of the second half to hit the front with the strong running Friedrichs charging over after a great defence splitting break from flanker Leilani Nathan.
A great sideline conversion from Miller pushed NSW ahead and the winger then crossed for a try of her own after good work from Friedrichs.
Queensland closed the gap to two points with the impressive Coady smashing her way over the line.
The Tahs forwards’ hard work was rewarded when hooker Adiana Talakai barged her way over to set up a nine-point lead, which proved just enough.
“We came down here to ruffle a few feathers and we definitely showed up today,” Reds flanker and captain Shannon Parry told AAP.
“Those little discipline areas probably cost us at the end of the day but we were bloody close.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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