A late change in the lineup saw Josh Arundel ruled out with a stress fracture sustained during training this week, leading to a reshuffle. However, the team remained unfased, maintaining focus and committing to their game plan as they took the field at a lively RAT Park.
Early penalties against the Tahs at the breakdown raised concerns, but the team quickly turned things around by stealing possession at the first and second lineouts. Though it seemed the Tahs were on their way to scoring in the first minute, a floating forward pass cut their momentum short.
The first try for the Tahs came just four minutes in, following a ruck. Jeremy Rath delivered a quick pass to Talen Risati, who powered through two defenders to dive over the line. Risati then slotted the conversion, setting the tone for the game.
A brilliant Tahs play from halfway saw the ball move from Talen Risati to Cyrus Bloomfield, then to Samuela Sorovi, who showcased impressive footwork while dancing through defenders. Sorovi cut back inside before offloading to scrum-half Jeremy Rath, who capped off the move with an impressive try under the posts.
The next try for the Tahs followed a perfectly executed lineout, with a sharp cut pass along the line to Samuela Sorovi. He skilfully weaved his way down the sideline before cutting back into the middle to score a perfect try.
As the game progressed, a series of powerful rucks, led by prop Nicholas Kotorac, left the Brumbies scrambling. With their defense stretched, the ball was passed to fly-half Talen Risati, who crossed for his second try of the day just 12 minutes in.
Just as the Brumbies appeared to be mounting their first successful attack, Tahs winger Samuela Sorovi intercepted the ball and sprinted down the sideline, pursued by two defenders. As defenders closed in, Sorovi made a diving effort over the try line to secure his second try of the game.
Tahs fullback Kden Carter made a stunning run down the opposite sideline, executing a dummy that left defenders in his wake. Despite a last-ditch diving effort from the Brumbies' No. 8, Carter slipped past and finished the run with a try under the posts.
An unfortunate yellow card left the Tahs a man down, but that didn’t stop them from extending their lead. Just before halftime, Samuela Sorovi completed his hat trick, showcasing his incredible form.
The second half picked up right where the first left off, with the Tahs securing possession straight from the kickoff after a towering jump. This led to a lineout and a powerful rolling maul, enabling hooker Oliver Smith to crash over for the first try of the half.
Later in the game, Samuel Polley executed a perfectly placed kick over a defender's head, which was collected by Saxon Gaw to score yet another try for the Waratahs. However, following another yellow card for the Waratahs, the Brumbies seized the opportunity to earn their first points of the day through a try to Charles McBaron, who capitalized after a series of strong rucks.
Two tries from Jack Kalms and one from Nicholas Kotorac rounded out the scoring, leading to a convincing win for the Tahs, who finished the game at 87-7 and extended their winning streak to four games.
Captain Justice Taumoepeau spoke following the dominant game: “Tyson Burdon had a great game after just coming back from injury. I was really happy with how strong he was in the middle, setting a strong platform off our scrums and carrying the ball really well."
“This week, we really just wanted to stay composed after struggling a little last week with our exits from our defensive quarter."
“We really wanted to emphasise staying disciplined, and I think we did that well today, but we still have some work to do.”
Speaking on the four tries from Samuela Sorovi, Justice said:
“Samuela was great to have out on our edge today and was really finishing well.”
Try Sorcerers: Talen Risati x2, Jeremy Rath, Samuela Sorovi x4, Kden Carter, Oliver Smith, Saxon Gaw, Jack Kalms x2, Nicholas Kotorac
Conversion: Talen Risati 7/8, Saxon Gaw 4/5
