NSW coach Daryl Gibson is certain the Waratahs will gain plenty of confidence from beating the Highlanders 41-12 on Saturday night in what was the clubs second biggest win ever against a Kiwi side in Super Rugby.
Despite the Highlanders being down a man for three quarters of the match as a result of Tevita Naburas red card for a kick to the face of Cam Clark, the Waratahs showed why they are frontrunners to top the Australian conference with a six tries to two thumping.
Confidence boost: Bernard Foley offloads during a free-flowing win for the Waratahs over the Highlanders.
Photo: AAP
It was the Waratahs' best ever win over the Highlanders and overall they have only recorded a bigger margin over a New Zealand on one occasion; a 43-9 result against the Blues in 2006.
The result may have broken a 40-game New Zealand winning streak over Australian teams but Gibson played down the significance afterwards.
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Asked if it was a weight off the teams shoulders, Gibson replied: “Not so much of a weight, its something we never talk about as a team. Tonight, regardless of the fact they had 14 men, I thought we played some good football, showed some good control and we got a good result. The boys should take a lot of credit for that.
“Im really pleased for the boys. Weve had a difficult three-match run where weve had some close losses and to get a positive result like that tonight Im really pleased for the boys. What this team will gain from this performance is confidence.”
Captain Michael Hooper acknowledged it would be nice to not keep being reminded by such an unwanted statistic.
“To have that stuff put behind and speak about another great challenge next week in the Chiefs is great," Hooper said. "This team is really enjoyable to be around at the moment."
After failing to go on and win after leading 29-0 against the Crusaders last week, the Waratahs put their foot down this time around and never looked in any doubt.
Drought-breaker: The Tahs celebrate on their way to the first Australian side's win over a New Zealand team in 722 days.
Photo: AAP
“We followed up what we started last week,” Gibson said. “We took a good step towards being the team I know this team can be. Thats half the battle; inside your head. I thought tonight we played with some confidence, scored some excellent tries. I think theres still a lot in terms of getting things right. Our game leaders and game managers are maturing and weve got a nice mix between experience and youth.”
Naburas red card and Aaron Smiths yellow card minutes later didnt help the visitors but both sides agreed the wingers offence warranted a send-off.
“A foot in the head is pretty straightforward,” Hooper said. “The high ball contest is always a tough one to rule and referee. The ref was in a tough position. I thought it was the right decision.”
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger agreed, before paying credit where it was due.
“I thought the Waratahs were outstanding,” Mauger said. “They took their opportunities, they put us under pressure with 14 men. We didnt help ourselves at times with some decision-making and it put us under pressure. A good team like the Waratahs, who have a bit of form, made us pay tonight.
Asked if it was frustrating to be the team to ruin a winning streak lasting almost two years, Mauger said: “Its annoying to lose any game. Were disappointed with our performance.”
The Waratahs face the Chiefs next Saturday in Hamilton. “Its going to be a cracking game,” Gibson said.
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Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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