Super Rugby: Waratahs clinch bonus point win against the Rebels
The Waratahs returned to winning ways with a dogged 32-8 victory over the Rebels.
Last Updated: 21/03/14 6:08pm
Having come unstuck to the Brumbies last time out - much to coach Michael Cheika's frustration - the Waratahs regrouped to see off the Melbourne franchise.
Alofa Alofa, Peter Betham and Israel Folau (2) scored tries, while Bernard Foley added 12 points via the boot.
The Rebels had looked to go toe-to-toe with the hosts early on, however they fell away in the second half.
Scott Higginbotham scored a first-half try and Bryce Hegarty slotted over a penalty but that was as good as it got for the visitors.
The Waratahs had got off to the perfect start as Alofa stepped past Angus Roberts to score in the corner after just three minutes.
Crashed over
Folau almost doubled their tally when he raced clear, with only a desperate cover tackle from Hegarty denying the Australia international.
And the Rebels made them pay as captain Higginbotham crashed over from close range to level the scores.
Foley and Hegarty swapped penalties before the Waratahs No 10 added a second just before the break to give his side an 11-8 lead.
Hopes the Rebels could follow the Brumbies in upsetting the Waratahs quickly evaporated after the interval, though as Betham outpaced the defence to score.
Benn Robinson was denied a try by the TMO, however there was no doubt over Folau's seventh of the season as the full-back combined brilliantly with Kurtley Beale.
A yellow card further dented the hopes of the Rebels, and the Waratahs were able to clinch the bonus point try when Folau finished off Beale's incisive break.