Despite a heroic effort, the Western Force have been defeated 31-14 by the NSW Waratahs in an epic Round 2 Super W encounter. The Force pushed the four-time reigning champions all the way in a physical encounter at Leichhardt Oval, but the Waratahs proved too clinical in the closing stages.
In the first minute, the Waratahs opened the scoring, with Georgina Tuipulotu crossing over. Fly-half Pauline Piliae successfully converted to give the home side an early 7-0 lead.
The Force hit back in fine fashion through Wallaroo Ariana Hira-Herangi. The centre pounced on a loose pass and raced over to score an intercept breakaway try with five minutes on the clock. Nicole Ledington made no mistake to even the scores at 7-7.
The reigning champion Waratahs regained the lead in the 15th minute with their second try of the match. Margot Vella received the ball on the left wing following a series of passes to cross over. Piliae converted to bring the score to 14-7 in favour of the hosts.
Waratahs captain Katrina Barker was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute for a deliberate knockdown, with no further score added before the half time siren (14-7).
Prop Raewyn Tuheke surged over for the Force's second try of the day with a close-range effort. Rebecca Clough's powerful carry opened up a chance just centimetres away from the try-line, and Tuheke was first to react and take full advantage to cross over. Ledington made no mistake with the conversion to bring the score to 14-14.
Captain Trilleen Pomare was given a yellow card for a high tackle in the 58th minute. This proved a crucial moment in the match, as the Waratahs seized control of the game with a numerical advantage.
Tries to Georgina Tuipulotu (63') and Bridie O'Gorman (66') while the Force were down to 14 players, and a try from Faliki Pohiva at the siren (80') proved the difference, as the Waratahs claimed a 31-14 victory.
Throughout the match, Wallaroos star Clough was hugely influential at both ends of the field, with the veteran's experience and tenacity shared by the entire squad.
Huge congratulations to debutants Keira MacAskill, Mercedes Putz and Valuese Tiakia on their first Super W appearance for the club.
Wayne Walden's side will take plenty of positives from the encounter into next week's clash with Fijiana Drua back at Leichhardt Oval next Saturday morning (13 March).
Scorers:
NSW Waratahs: Tries: Mahalia Murphy (1'), Margot Vella (15'), Georgina Tuipulotu (64'), Bridie O'Gorman (66'), Faliki Pohiva. Conversions: Pauline Piliae (3).
Western Force: Tries: Ariana Hira-Herangi (5), Raewyn Tuheke (42’). Conversions: Nicole Ledington (2).
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