'Tahs on trial

After work, I went to the Super 14 trial game between the NSW Waratahs (for whom I barrack) and the Canterbury Crusaders (from Christchurch, NZ, where my paternal grandfather was born). Or to use its official title, the Rotomahana Challenge.

Last year, they beat us 32-30 and went on to win the competition. Tonight, we were the victors - 17-12 - but I can't say I'm filled with confidence for the season ahead. We were the worse side for much of the 80 minutes, just pipping them at the end.

The 'Tahs began OK, putting first points on the board with a penalty. But then we started spilling the ball - something that would continue throughout the (admittedly slippery) game. We also lost lineouts, kicked when we should have run and screwed scrums.

They scored a try as a result of our mistakes. The conversion attempt was pathetic. Our restart was worse - going backwards. Thankfully, before the break, Hewat and Norton-Knight combined for a spectacular try and the extras put us ahead 10-5.

While our defence had its moments, it faltered again at about the 3/4 mark. The Cantabrians scored a soft second try under the posts and didn't miss the kick - 12-10. That looked like that until, with two minutes to go, a rookie suddenly broke through.

There'd been a lot of talk about 18-year-old Kurtley Beale beforehand, commentators comparing him to legends like Mark Ella. He was a major target in the second half but showed he can take a good tackle, make a good tackle and set up a winning try.

Beale put Holmes over, then took the conversion himself, successfully. I guess that's one positive I can take away from this sloppy, barely deserved Rotomahana Challenge victory - I may have witnessed the arrival of a future rugby union superstar.

But just to bring things earthward again, it should be remembered the reigning champions were without players such as Daniel Carter, Richie McCaw and Reuben Thorne, who are among the 22 All Blacks being rested for the World Cup in France in September.