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Waratah 'backing himself' after 'embarrassing' gaffe

NSW Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley will back himself to make the next kick he takes that’s identical to the crucial one he missed in his side’s opening round Super Rugby home loss to the Hurricanes.

With NSW trailing 20-19 and just over a minute to go, Foley pulled the ball wide of the left upright from a position just off centre from little more than 30 metres out.

It was his sole miss in six attempts on a night when he became the franchise’s all-time leading Super Rugby pointscorer.

The Wallabies playmaker rued being unable to capitalise on the good work of the NSW scrum.

“It’s disappointing (not) to reward the front row and the scrum there at the end, they did a great job to win that penalty,” Foley said.

Foley was gutted after missing a late kick to win the match. Pic: Getty
Foley was gutted after missing a late kick to win the match. Pic: Getty

“But it’s process driven, we’re not driven by outcomes so it’s the same with my kicking.

“In terms of just keep trying to stick at it, get consistent, get better at it, and given that shot again, I’ll back myself.”

However, fans suggested that Foley’s inconsistency could cost him a place in the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign later in the year.

While disappointed by Saturday’s result, Tahs coach Daryl Gibson identified some positives in their stout defence and the efforts of debutant props Chris Talakai and Rory O’Connor.

While Talakai gave away some penalties, he was also instrumental in securing the one that gave Foley his late opportunity.

“Thrilled for the rookie front row to earn that penalty that gave us the opportunity,” Gibson said.

“I thought they came back well and those guys showing that they can do it at this level, which is a real positive.”

The Hurricanes’ dangerous backs had few attacking chances out wide as the Waratahs defended well.

“It was probably one of the positives that came out of the game, we’ve been doing a lot of work there,” Gibson said.

Both Hurricanes tries came from forwards.

“One was from a maul, one was from a pick and go,” Gibson noted.

“Overall we did an excellent job on their ruck speed, it was pretty slow for them.”

Gibson praised the defensive work of his new centre pairing of veterans Adam Ashley-Cooper and Karmichael Hunt, saying they acquitted themselves well.

Ashley-Cooper and prop Sekope Kepu picked up knocks, but Gibson confirmed playmaker Kurtley Beale would be back for next weekend’s away game against Japan’s Sunwolves after being rested from Saturday’s match.