The Waratahs powered into the 2008 Super 14 final beating the Sharks in Sydney by 28 points to 13.
The result means that the Waratahs will travel to Chirstchurch to face the Crusaders in the 2008 Super 14 final.
The Sharks took an early lead in the second minute when Ruan Pienaar sent over a drop kick for the Sharks. Kurtley Beale leveled the scores a little after the 15 minute mark.
Beale went on to have a shocker of a night with the boot even though he scored a try just after half time and a field goal late in the match.
Goal kicking will be a real concern for the Waratahs going into next week’s final.
Their defence should not be of great concern because even though the Sharks had the better of the possession they were unable to break through the Waratahs defence as so many other teams have found when playing the Waratahs.
The Waratahs ran in four tries to one to set up a rematch of their 2005 final showdown with the six-time champions the Crusaders.
The final will be played next Saturday in Christchurch.
The Crusaders earlier Saturday qualified for their ninth final in 11 years with a 33-22 win over the Hurricanes.
The Waratahs won the battle against the Durban-based Sharks at the breakdown, stole five lineouts and were led by powerhouse performances from back-rowers Rocky Elsom and Phil Waugh and lock Dean Mumm.
Just like his entire team at halftime and fulltime, Waugh received a standing ovation from the 37,378-strong crowd at Sydney Football Stadium when replaced in the 62nd minute of his 100th match for the Waratahs.
“Defense has been a big part of our game this year and we stood up again,” Waugh said.
“Off to Christchurch next week and we’ll freshen up and it’s a big week. Our execution could have been a lot better, but it’s a very pleasing result.”
The Waratahs led 15-6 at halftime after tries by winger Lote Tuqiri and center Rob Horne.
Final Score Waratahs 28 Sharks 13
Scorers
Waratahs
Tries – Lote Tuqiri, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale ,Luke Burgess
Pen – Kurtley Beale
Con – Kurtley Beale
Drop – Kurtley Beale
Sharks
Tries – Craig Burden
Pen – Frans Steyn
Con – Rory Kockott
Drop – Ruan Pienaar
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Saturday May 24
(New Zealand match officials)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
Assistant Ref 1: Lyndon Bray
Assistant Ref 2: Kelvin Deaker
TMO: G. Newman
Teams
Waratahs
1. Benn Robinson ,2. Adam Freier, 3. Al Baxter, 4. Dean Mumm, 5. Dan Vickerman, 6. Rocky Elsom, 7. Phil Waugh [c], 8. Wycliff Palu, 9. Luke Burgess, 10. Kurtley Beale, 11. Lote Tuqiri, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Rob Horne, 14. Lachie Turner,
15. Sam Norton-Knight
Reserves: 16. Al Manning, 17. Matt Dunning, 18. Will Caldwell, 19. Beau Robinson, 20. Brett Sheehan, 21. Matt Carraro, 22. Timana Tahu.
Sharks
15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Adrian Jacobs, 12. Francois Steyn, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Ruan Pienaar, 9. Rory Kockott, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Epi Taione, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller ( Capt ), 4. Steven Sykes , 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai (the Beast) Mtawarira
Replacements: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Deon Carstens, 18. Albert van den Berg, 19. Jean Deysel, 20. AN.Other, 21. Bradley Barritt, 22. Waylon Murray.
Super14.com
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