Late points only paper over cracks in Waratahs’ capitulation to Chiefs

THE NSW Waratahs’ slim Super Rugby finals hopes have been flattened after another infuriatingly inconsistent effort in their 46-31 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton.

The Chiefs – the last New Zealand franchise to lose to an Australian team, more than a year ago – scored six tries to four yesterday despite the visitors enjoying plenty of territory and possession.

A magnificent 60-metre solo try to Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu was the highlight of a typically frustrating Waratahs performance, which underlined the problems that have plagued their campaign.

Coach Daryl Gibson lamented a high missed-tackle ratio from the Tahs’ marshmallow defence, as opposing players were able to offload.

Poor discipline continued to be an issue, with hooker Tolu Latu and bench prop Paddy Ryan sin-binned for a trip and foul play respectively, the for- mer just before halftime and the latter in the second half.

The home side capitalised on Latu’s absence, with winger James Lowe crossing inside the first minute of the second half and halfback Tawera KerrBarlow three minutes later, to set up a 32-3 lead.

“The damage was done in the early stages of the second half,” Gibson said.

“The Chiefs got on a really excellent role and then obviously for us the yellow cards were pretty costly.”

It was the same old story for the Tahs, who have been monstered by New Zealand teams this season before rallying to gain some respectability in the final half-hour.

They twice rattled off 14 points to get within eight points with five minutes to go.

“It was frustrating how easily we can get points put on us and how easily we can put points on teams,” Waratahs captain Michael Hooper said.