SYDNEY // Australia international Israel Folau scored a try double to spearhead the New South Wales Waratahs to a freewheeling 50-23 Super Rugby win over the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney on Sunday.
Folau put behind his form troubles to be the standout player in the Waratahs eight tries to three bonus-point victory to close to within four points of the ACT Brumbies in the Australian conference.
The Waratahs led 24-11 at half time and were in danger of defeat when the Rebels pulled back to 29-23 before the home side rattled on 21 unanswered points.
It was the Waratahs’ 11th win in 13 encounters with the Rebels, who are in limbo awaiting their fate for next year’s Super Rugby competition.
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“Izzy [Folau] was special tonight, there’s been a lot made of Izzy this season, so the character of the man to turn up and just want the ball, I’m so happy for him,” Waratahs captain Michael Hooper said.
“We played some fantastic rugby and some guys really stepped up tonight.”
Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley also produced an outstanding attacking display to go with his five conversions.
Despite the margin blowing out in the final stages an unprecedented fifth successive home defeat earlier looked a possibility before three tries in 10 minutes – to Dean Mumm, Ned Hanigan and Folau – spurted the Waratahs a comfortable 13-point half-time lead.
The Rebels threatened a comeback after pulling to within six points when winger Jonah Placid crashed over for his second try.
But the Waratahs finished with a flurry as Folau, Hooper and replacements Damien Fitzpatrick and Bryce Hegarty all crossed in the last 20 minutes.
Compounding the Rebels loss, Wallabies centre Reece Hodge lasted less than two minutes before being taken off after colliding heavily with Folau.
It was the first time the 2014 champions had amassed a half-century of points in seven years.
It gets tougher for the Waratahs over the next two weeks with matches in New Zealand against the in-form Otago Highlanders and Waikato Chiefs, which is likely to decide their finals’ hopes.
* Agence France-Presse
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If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
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Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
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On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
RESULTS
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match details
Wales v Hungary
Cardiff City Stadium, kick-off 11.45pm
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million