Last-gasp Miotti on target for the Force

DOMINGO MIOTTI rescued victory for the Force with the final kick of the game to sour the Waratahs’ hopes of winning for the first time this season.

Next week’s clash against the Rebels is the ‘Tahs last shot at salvation after they were pinged for offsides in the 84th minute, to give Argentina fly-half Miotti a shot at goal directly in front of the posts to clinch a 31-30 win.

The Force took the lead on two minutes through prop Tom Robertson thanks to some swift work by Tomas Cubelli at the base of the ruck.

But after a Miotti penalty had given the hosts a 10-0 lead, the ‘Tahs pushed deep into Force territory allowing room for No.8 Will Harris to stay low and dive over the line.

Ben Donaldson slotted the conversion and a penalty to restore parity, but a try for Feleti Kaitu’u and a Miotti drop-goal ensured the Force held the lead at the break.

Two tries in quick succession to start the second half put the Waratahs on top as Jack Maddocks scored from a two-man overlap down the left, before the full-back found a hole in the scrambled Force defence to break through and feed Alex Newsome on the right wing.

With Miotti and Donaldson penalties leaving the score 30-21 to the visitors, a Jordan Olowofela try triggered a late onslaught which saw the Force string more than 20 phases to draw a penalty and gift Miotti his shot at glory.

The Force’s play-off hopes will be tied to the result of the Rebels’ clash against the Brumbies, who played early this morning.

Rebels skipper Dane Haylett-Petty is absent due to a concussion.