Rugby: Tahs still alive with win

Tom Carter of the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

Desperation is a strong motivator and it can produce interesting results.

While the Crusaders and Blues played out a compellingly tight match in Timaru with both sides intent on finishing top of the New Zealand conference, the Waratahs and Highlanders went on the attack later in the evening.

Both needed to win and probably with a bonus point to have any chance of catching the leaders and making the playoffs. They turned down easy shots at goal in favour of quick taps and kicks for the corner - neither team lined up a penalty shot at goal. The win was all-important but so were tries.

And there were some fabulous ones scored until the rain dominated the second half, halting the flow of the match.

The Waratahs scored two brilliant tries in the opening 15 minutes, both sparked by elusive fullback Kurtly Beale and both from deep in their own 22m. It made a mockery of calls from fans earlier in the season they were too boring. This was anything but.

The Highlanders admitted they had been scared of winning in their previous defeats to the Lions and Force but they didn't really have a chance to think about that last night. Trailling early, they had to play catch-up and that can often be easier mentally.

They kept plugging away, often running the ball from deep and, as they have done all season, powerfully counter rucking.

But they were simply too profligate when close to the Waratahs line. They should have taken advantage of the chances they had and the home side weren't so generous at the other end in building a handy 19-7 halftime lead.

The Highlanders' scrum also came under intense pressure, which meant they often struggled to attack from a good platform but they still managed to put the Waratahs under considerable pressure without making it count.

The quality of the match disintegrated as the Sydney rain returned and handling became an issue.

Both sides struggled to hold the ball and it took until the 74th minute for the scoreboard attendant to be troubled again when Waratahs centre Tom Carter slid over for his hat-trick.

It was the final nail in the Highlanders' playoffs coffin - a disappointing way to end a season of such promise - but handed the Waratahs an all-important bonus point.

They still have to rely on the Bulls to fall over in their remaining games but they at least gave themselves a chance. The Highlanders' one has now passed.

Waratahs 33 (T. Carter 3, D. Dennis, J. Holmes tries; K. Beale 3 cons)

Highlanders 7 (J. Rutledge try; T. Brown). HT: 19-7.