Waratahs end 40-game trans-Tasman horror run

BUENOS AIRES: The New South Wales Waratahs ended Australia’s 40-match losing streak against New Zealand rivals by thrashing Otago Highlanders 41-12 Saturday, while Richie Mo’unga booted Canterbury Crusaders back to the top of Super Rugby with a 32-24 victory over Auckland Blues.

Argentina’s Jaguares hammered Northern Bulls 54-24 in Buenos Aires and a last-gasp Hayden Parker drop goal saw Japan’s Sunwolves down Western Stormers 26-23 in Hong Kong. Golden Lions beat ACT Brumbies 42-24 in Johannesburg and Coastal Sharks overcame Waikato Chiefs 28-24 in a Durban match riddled with handling errors.

Waratahs scored six tries to two in Sydney to rout Highlanders, who played 61 minutes with 14 men after winger Tevita Nabura was sent off. The last time an Australian team beat a New Zealand side was just over two years ago when the Waratahs downed the Chiefs.

The Waratahs opened an 8-0 lead after 14 minutes and took complete control once Nabura inexplicably kicked winger Cameron Clark in the head as he leaped for a high ball.

Three minutes later the visitors were down to 13 men after Aaron Smith was yellow-carded. The Waratahs scored only once while Smith was sin-binned, a second to Taqele Naiyaravoro, but dominated the first half to lead 15-0 at half-time. Israel Folau scored his 49th and 50th Super Rugby tries early in the second half as Waratahs began to run away with the match.

It was four tries apiece in wet Auckland, where penalties made the difference as Crusaders downed Blues to move a point ahead of Wellington Hurricanes. Crusaders were up 7-0 in the second minute with a try to George Bridge, who created havoc down the left wing throughout.