26/04/2008 13:50

Sydney - The Waratahs moved into second place in rugby's Super 14 on Saturday after scoring four second-half tries, two by Wycliff Palu, to beat the Sharks 25-10.

It was the second loss in a row for the Sharks after starting the season with seven wins and a draw. The Durban-based Sharks are tied for third with the Chiefs of New Zealand.

The Waratahs, who trail first-place Crusaders by seven points, led 3-0 at halftime but poured it on in the second half to move themselves into a strong semi-final position with three matches left.

Wycliff Palu went over for two tries for the homeside. Sam Norton-Knight and Tom Carter scored the other Waratahs tries, while Odwa Ndungane scored the Sharks' only try with two minutes left.

The Waratahs close the season with three away matches two in South Africa and one in Brisbane against archrival the Reds on the final weekend.

The Sharks play the Crusaders next weekend in Christchurch before returning to South Africa for two home matches in Durban.

Scores:

Waratahs 25 (Wycliff Palu 2, Sam Norton-Knight, Tom Carter tries, Kurtley Beale conversion, Lote Tuqiri penalty)

Sharks 10 (Odwa Ndungane try, Ruan Pienaar conversion, Francois Steyn penalty).

Half-time: 3 - 0 (Waratahs)