The Waratahs’ campaign has come to an end following a disappointing defeat, being convincingly outplayed 46-6 by the reigning champions, the Blues, at Eden Park on Saturday.
In order to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals aspirations alive, NSW needed a victory in Auckland, but Dan McKellar’s side was never in contention.
This marks the largest winning margin the Blues have ever recorded against the Waratahs.
Triston Reilly of the Waratahs looks on. Getty
Since 2009, the Waratahs have not secured a win at the rugby fortress in New Zealand, having last emerged victorious there in 1928.
This latest loss means that only two Australian teams will progress to the finals next weekend: the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds.
Finishing with a record of 6 wins and 8 losses, NSW will claim the eighth position out of 11 teams – a slight improvement from their previous season, which saw them finish with the wooden spoon.
Rieko Ioane of the Blues celebrates with Mark Tele’a after scoring his second try. Getty
Although the Blues have also fallen short of their usual high standards this season, Vern Cotter’s team wasted no time in asserting their dominance.
With Beauden Barrett directing play, his All Blacks teammates Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a found plenty of space to wreak havoc.
Barrett played with the Waratahs’ backline by employing an array of attacking kicks, resulting in Ioane netting a hat-trick and Tele’a contributing with two tries upon his return from suspension.
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In stark contrast, the Waratahs struggled to find form, managing just two penalties from Jack Bowen.
A significant overhaul is anticipated for NSW this off-season, as both coach McKellar and captain Jake Gordon acknowledged the need for improvement in professionalism and culture within the club, leading to an uncertain future for several underperforming players.
With their bonus-point victory, the Blues (6-8) moved up to sixth place but will have to wait for the outcomes of the Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika and Queensland Reds vs Fijian Drua matches to determine their finals prospects.
MORE TO COME…
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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