| |
New South Wales downs Otago 23-15
Posted: Friday April 23, 1999 11:24 AM
DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) -- New South Wales, fighting for a Super 12 semifinal berth, beat first-place Otago 23-15 Friday night to hand the Highlanders only their second rugby union loss of the season. The Waratahs, who began the round in seventh place, led 11-3 at halftime and outscored the Highlanders three tries to one. New South Wales winger Matt Dowling could land only two of five shots at goal and Manuel Edmonds fared little better with one from three or the score would have been more lopsided. Replacement center Romi Ropati scored the try of the match 13 minutes after halftime to close the gap to 11-8 and with center Nathan Grey in the sin-bin for a high tackle, the Highlanders were hoping to take the lead. However, the 14-man Waratahs lineup absorbed the pressure and then mounted a concerted attack on the Highlanders. Fullback Duncan McRae scored in the 60th minute after throwing a massive dummy and Edmonds slotted the conversion from a difficult angle to extend the lead to 18-8. Sub Willie Ofahengaue put the game in safekeeping for the Waratahs when he powered over wide out. The Highlanders scored a late consolation try by No. 8 Isitolo Maka but even Jeff Wilson's conversion wasn't enough for the home side to pick up a bonus point for losing by seven or fewer points. Waratahs lock John Welborn scored the only try of the first half in the 32nd minute.
| |||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| |||||||||||||||||
