Waratahs storm into playoffs

The reigning champion New South Wales Waratahs subdued a fired up Queensland Reds team on Saturday to storm into the Super Rugby playoffs with a 31-5 victory that assured them of a week off and a home semifinal.

Second half tries from captain Dave Dennis, flanker Jaques Potgieter, scrumhalf Brendan McKibbin and lock Dean Mumm gave the Waratahs a bonus point they did not need and sent a crowd of 26,746 home happy. Earlier defeats for the ACT Brumbies and Waikato Chiefs ensured both teams would have to hit the road for the first round of playoffs next weekend.