07/03/2008 12:37

Sydney - Lote Tuqiri and Dean Mumm scored breakaway tries in the second half of a rain-drenched Super 14 rugby match on Friday to give the Waratahs a 24-17 win over the Brumbies.

The Brumbies scored 17 points in a 13-minute spell immediately before halftime to turn a 10-0 deficit into a 17-10 lead at the break but the Waratahs turned the game with a disciplined effort in the second spell.

Tuqiri latched onto a juggled pass in midfield in the 46th minute to dash 40m under the post for a try, converted by Kurtley Beale, which tied the scores 17-17.

Replacement Mumm then charged down a clearing kick from Brumbies flyhalf Christian Leali'ifano, recovered the bouncing ball and sprinted over between the posts in the 62nd minute for what proved to be the deciding score.

The opening whistle was a signal for the skies to open, and the game took place in a constant deluge. The rain placed a premium on the control of possession and it was the Waratahs, with a more measured game plan and greater discipline, who eked out a narrow win.

"It was a good gutsy win in those conditions," Waratahs captain Phil Waugh said.

Key role

"It was all about playing from corner to corner and getting as much field position as possible. We did that pretty well but are still a few areas we can improve on."

Young flyhalf Kurtley Beale played a key role as the Waratahs gained a 10-0 lead after 27 minutes. He faked an attempted field goal from an attacking ruck in the 21st minute, shrugged off the defence and timed his pass to centre Tom Carter who touched down under the posts for his first Super 14 try.

Beale was taken out by Brumbies centre Tyrone Smith in the 27th minute. Smith received a yellow card and Beale jumped to his feet to kick to the goal which extended the Waratahs' lead to 10-0.

The Brumbies were goaded into action and scored 10 points despite Smith being sinbinned. Julian Salvi skirted a scrum and drove over on the blindside in the 31st minute for a try, converted from the sideline by Matt Gerrard.

Gerrard kicked a penalty to tie the scores in the 31st minute, then Smith returned from the bin to play a part in an injury time try to Peter Playford which put the Brumbies seven points ahead at halftime.

The Waratahs played a cool-headed game in the second half, kicking for position and retaining possession with more assurance than the Brumbies in a game of turnovers.

Scorers were:

Waratahs (10) 24: Tries by Tom Carter (20 min), Lote Tuqiri (47 min), Dean Mumm (62 min). Kurtley Beale kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Brumbies (17) 17: Tries by Julian Salvi (31 min) and Peter Playford (42 min). Mark Gerrard kicked two conversions and a penalty.