Combinations tested

The New South Wales Waratahs shaded the Highlanders 19-16 in a Super Rugby trial match last night that may have produced more questions than answers.

The Waratahs scored three tries to one in a hard-fought but scrappy and mistake-riddled affair.

As expected, Waratahs coach Michael Cheika gave all three halfbacks a run and experimented with his five-eighth positions. He replaced starters Matt Lucas and Bernard Foley little more than a quarter into the game, bringing on Brendan McKibbin and Kurtley Beale respectively.

After halftime, Foley was reinstated at first five-eighth and Beale was moved to second fiveeighth in place of Rob Horne.

Cheika stuck with that configuration for the entire second half, in what could be a clue to his starting side for the Waratah’s opening- round match against the Western Force in Sydney next Sunday.

The Waratahs trailed 13-12 at the break despite scoring two tries to one. Wing Peter Betham was first to cross, rounding off a sweeping move from a lineout.

Flanker Michael Hooper crossed for the Waratahs’ second after stealing a Highlanders restart.

The Highlanders’ sole first-half five-pointer was scored by Shane Christie, who sprinted away unchallenged after All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith filched the ball.

It was Foley who regained the lead for NSW just before the hour, scoring their third try and converting to give the home team a 19-13 advantage.

NSW’s third halfback Nick Phipps also got a run in the second half, as Cheika made plenty of changes in the last 20 minutes.

Christie kicked a 69th-minute penalty following a Waratahs scrum infringement to cut the deficit to three.