Waratahs 20 Hurricanes 3

THERE wasn't much razzle-dazzle, and the Waratahs two key attacking prongs, Lote Tuqiri and Timana Tahu, were often left out in the cold. But a tight, conclusive forward performance was enough to provide the Waratahs with a buoyant Super 14 start, enjoying a 17-point victory over the Hurricanes at the Sydney Football Stadium last night.

The 27,011 crowd voiced their disapproval when the Waratahs often ignored their back line for relentless midfield kicking or one-up forward charges. But no-frills rugby was clearly the way to go against the Hurricanes, who, like the Waratahs, were often shackled by endless turnovers at the breakdown.

This meandering match would not bring the crowds back but for those many Waratahs supporters, who suffered endless despair during a dismal 2007, it was at least a momentary end to their pain.

Considering how potent the Hurricanes' back row was, it was no surprise that the Waratahs focused so much attention their way, and attempted to show that they could match anything the visitors could provide.

And in the end, the Waratahs won that battle, with their No.8, Wycliff Palu, winning the man-of-the-match award, while blindside flanker Rocky Elsom was as prominent in the tight.

Replacement hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau also relished a long period on the field, replacing Adam Freier at the break, and as usual was among the most dangerous when the play opened up.

Polota-Nau once again showed impressive speed and special handling skills.

The Waratahs' back line only had occasional moments to shine, and when they were given the opportunity, showed promise.

Tahu had his moments, while fullback Lachlan Turner was the standout, earning the rewards of scoring the home team's two tries.

Turner has high hopes of securing the Waratahs No.15 jersey ahead of Sam Norton-Knight this season, and his first step was certainly positive.

Tuqiri received few chances, but was certainly among the most spirited. His brilliant charge on the opposing fullback Cory Jane in the 64th minute revitalised an unsettled crowd.

The Waratahs offered few surprises in the first half, following their usual script of focusing most of their play around their forwards, with only occasional attacking forays.

It showed that the Waratahs were disciplined and playing to a rigid game plan, but that they also distinctly lacked adventure.

At times that tactic worked against them.

While numerous NSW backs beckoned for quick ball, with monotonous regularity a succession of forwards selfishly put their head down, tucked the ball under their arm, and unsuccessfully attempted to bash their way through a multitude of bodies for the line.

It didn't work.

Not surprisingly, the Waratahs looked best when they were expressive. That didn't happen often, but when it did, it was fruitful, especially in the 17th minute when fullback Turner finished off an excellent manoeuvre to score the Waratahs' first Super 14 try of the season, and easily the best from any Australian team in round one.

From a scrum, the two centres, Tom Carter and Ben Jacobs, cleverly charged infield, which had the desired effect of sucking in several Hurricanes midfield defenders. Behind them, five-eighth Kurtley Beale offloaded to Lote Tuqiri, who had moved to the centre of the field.

The most crucial moment of the move was when Tuqiri passed to Tahu, who rather than take the ball, instead flicked it behind him to a full-pace Turner, who had enough space to find the tryline.

NSW WARATAHS 20 (Lachlan Turner 2 Rocky Elsom tries Kurtley Beale con, pen) bt HURRICANES 3 (Jimmy Gopperth pen) at Sydney Football Stdm. Referee: Craig Joubert (Rsa). Crowd: 27,011.