Waratahs 15
Highlanders 12
KEY POINTS:
Three games and still no wins for the Highlanders, who were again left to lament what might have been after their 12-15 loss to the Waratahs at Carisbrook last night.
They have gained a bonus point in each of their losses but coach Glenn Moore must be gritting
his teeth in frustration at the little errors, and lapses in concentration, which have turned potential victories into narrow losses.
Conditions were ripe for an upset last night. The rain fell persistently, and sometimes it was torrential. The raw chill seeped into and through bones. It was not weather for New South Welshmen.
And then the crowd of about 10,000, swelled by thousands of students in high spirits after their Orientation Week, were ready to cheer the Highlanders and heap derision on the Waratahs at the slightest opportunity.
And, for a long time, it seemed they would have plenty to shout about. The Highlanders, at one stage ahead 12-3 and still leading 12-10, did not relinquish the lead until the 62nd minute.
And it was from a basic mistake, first five-eighth Mike Delany chipping a kick directly into the bread-basket of centre Ben Jacobs. He took off, and when he was brought down by a desperate ankle-tap, No 8 Wycliff Palu was in support to score what proved to be the winning try.
It was a game which could have gone either way and Highlanders' fullback James Wilson missed with a long-range penalty on fulltime which would have gained his side a draw.
But, in the end, it was the Waratahs' greater composure, and slightly lower error rate, which proved the difference.
They have made a sound start to the competition with two wins (and nine points) from three games.
And they continued their liking for Carisbrook - their fourth consecutive win at the ground and their 10th in 13 games against the Highlanders since Super rugby began.
Phil Waugh was an inspirational captain and he had fine support from Rocky Elsom and Dan Vickerman.
The backs played to the conditions. Lote Tuqiri, conspicuous in his orange boots, was always a danger and Jacobs was a strong and composed centre.
The Highlanders had their heroes, none more so than replacement flanker Adam Thomson, who showed speed to score his try and was invariably at the elbow of the ball carrier.
Steven Setephano was industrious from No 8, Niva Ta'auso was powerful in midfield and Fetu'u Vainikolo again looked a potential match-winner on the left wing.