The fast-improving NSW Waratahs are threatening a late charge to the Super Rugby finals after a record-setting, drought-breaking 72-10 win over the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
The 11-tries-to-one thrashing on Sunday morning (AEST) ended an eight-match losing streak in South Africa – where the Waratahs last won in May 2009 – and delivered their first overseas victory anywhere in 13 matches going back to May 2010.
It was the Waratahs’ biggest Super victory margin, eclipsing by one the 61-point gap in their 73-12 win over the Lions in 2010.
The 11-try haul equalled their best in Super Rugby, which was also in that game against the Lions in Sydney.
The bonus-point win propelled them three places up the ladder to eighth and within five points of sixth spot.
NSW are set to have even more backline firepower for next Saturday’s home match with the Stormers, with Wallabies backs Berrick Barnes and Drew Mitchell expected to be cleared to return from injury.
After starting the season with three losses in their first four games, NSW have now won four of their past six matches.
“It’s probably the performance we were looking for the whole year,” said NSW captain and flanker Dave Dennis.
“We’ve played well in patches throughout the year but that was probably the most complete performance we’ve had.”
Fullback and man-of-the-match Israel Folau led the way with a scintillating display.
Cameron Crawford bagged a hat-trick of tries and fellow winger Peter Betham two, as NSW swept to a 46-10 halftime lead and piled up 26 unanswered second half points.
“I think for me the second half was probably a bit more pleasing, because we didn’t sit down on the result,” coach Michael Cheika told AAP.
“We kept them out for that second half and they didn’t score any points and we got four tries in the second half.
“That attitude is what I’m looking for.”
A dominant scrum and improved lineout gave NSW a strong set-piece platform, while flankers Michael Hooper and Dennis were prominent in the loose.
Five-eighth Bernard Foley feasted on a glut of quality ball, setting up several tries with his smart passing and elusive running.
The Waratahs’ expansive ball-in-hand style was too much for a Kings side that had gone unbeaten in three previous matches against Australian teams.
The competition newcomers looked flat after playing nine straight weeks.
NSW had their tryscoring bonus point locked away inside the first 20 minutes.
Folau triggered the landslide by setting up Crawford’s first try with a break inside the opening 60 seconds.
He again left multiple defenders scattered in his wake when he crossed five minutes later.
Crawford crossed twice more before the break, with Hooper, Betham and lock Kane Douglas making it seven tries for the half.
Dennis and Betham scored tries before the hour and replacement backs Ben Volavola and Tom Kingston both crossed in the last ten minutes.
