WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Australian teams' supremacy over New Zealand opposition in Super Rugby might not have lasted more than one game but New South Wales Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson was convinced his side were tracking the right way as the playoffs loomed more sharply into focus. The Waratahs ended a 40-game, and more than two-year, losing streak by Australian sides against New Zealand teams when they beat a 14-man Otago Highlanders 41-12 in Sydney last week. The Waratahs lead the Australian conference on 31 points, but just have a one-point lead over the Melbourne Rebels, who thrashed an under-strength Sunwolves 40-13 on Friday. Four of New Zealand's teams and two in the South African conference - the Lions (40) and Jaguares (34) - have more points than both the Waratahs and Rebels. The Waratahs' final four games are against Australian conference teams, including a crucial clash against the Rebels in Melbourne after the June international break.

Source: The Star May 27, 2018 04:41 UTC