A trick move that has fooled literally everybody — including the try scorer — has seen one of the more bizarre tries you’ll ever see scored. Photo / Sky
A trick move that has fooled literally everybody — including the try scorer — has seen one of the more bizarre tries you’ll ever see scored. Photo / Sky
Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan pulled the Waratahs’ pants down at Allianz Stadium on Friday night with a play few were expecting — including the man who most profited from it.
With the score tied 10-all after 35 minutes and the Brumbies winning a penalty five metres out from the Waratahs’ line, all but Lonergan appeared to believe a penalty goal was imminent.
The halfback, however, spotted Andy Muirhead on his own on the far right wing and understanding that referee Nic Berry hadn’t called time off, launched a kick Muirhead’s way.
Muirhead, though, wasn’t on his own — he was having a yarn with assistant referee Jordan Way, and looked as surprised as anybody that the ball was coming his way. Yet he managed to take the tumbling punt and run over to score.
“It’s one of the greatest moves that isn’t a move we’ve ever seen,” Justin Harrison exclaimed in commentary.
It was the first Super Rugby game at Allianz Stadium in 1679 days and a supportive crowd of 25,076 — which included Wallabies coach Eddie Jones — saw a lively derby won by the visitors 31-25.
It was the Waratahs’ first crowd of over 20,000 at Allianz Stadium in seven years.
Andy Muirhead goes over to score a try. Photo / Photosport
Within two minutes of kick-off flame-haired No 10 Tane Edmed attempted, but just hooked, a 47-metre penalty goal attempt.
Minutes later Brumbies hooker Connal McInerney was off to the headbin and didn’t return, his place taken by 37-year-old former Bayonne, Clermont Auvergne and Waratahs No 2, John Ulugia.
The Waratahs dominated possession and territory in the first 10 minutes but it was the Brumbies who opened the scoring after their only incursion into the opposition half when fullback Tom Wright hot-stepped his way past three would-be tacklers and dished for halfback Lonergan, who scored. The teams traded penalty goals after 22 minutes, the second a scrum penalty against NSW that Brumbies loosehead prop Blake Schoupp revelled in.
Rob Valetini went over in the 43rd minute after strong, direct running and footwork by left wing Corey Toole. The TMO, however, found that the barest hint of Toole’s heel had scraped the touchline.
There was no such quandary when Muirhead swapped wings and fed Toole, who plunged over for a decisive score.
Jake Gordon finished a fine team try for NSW that included a bullocking run from impressive No 8 Langi Gleeson.
However, a penalty goal by Noah Lolesio in the 75th minute sealed the match for the Brumbies.
The Waratahs will sweat on the fitness of prominent prop Angus Bell, who went off with a foot injury.
Son of Gun is man of the match
Max Jorgensen, 18, had a fine debut for the Waratahs, scoring two tries and making several fine runs down the left wing.
The tyro son of two-test Wallaby and Randwick legend Peter opened the scoring for the Waratahs when he ran off an Angus Bell pass and burst through Wallabies forwards Allan Alaalatoa and Rob Valetini to score under the posts.
