The Waratahs capped their best finish to date to a regular Super 12 season with a 25-20 win over the Blues, but looked to have squandered the chance of a home grand final after failing to score a bonus point on Friday.
After the Crusaders scored a bonus-point 40-20 win in their earlier fixture against the Hurricanes, New South Wales was left needing a four-try victory to finish first.
But after scoring their third try with 30 minutes to go, the fourth never came, the home side strangely opting for a shot at penalty goal in the 58th minute instead of attacking the line.
They had also opted for a three-pointer in the 44th minute and wasted a good scoring opportunity with three minutes remaining when replacement flanker Stephen Hoiles threw a stray pass when New South Wales had an overlap.
”It was a weird type of feeling, almost like a draw,” captain Chris Whitaker said after the match.
New South Wales now await the result of other weekend matches to determine who they will play in next Saturday night’s semifinal.
The Hurricanes seem to be the most likely opponent — the Bulls need a 25-plus point win over the Stormers to displace the Wellington side from third.
The Crusaders finish top of the table and if they win their semifinal, will host the final.
The Waratahs lacked their usual composure for much of the opening half on Friday, dropped balls, skewed line-out throws and put in some poor kicks in the first 25 minutes.
The Blues, desperate for a big win to keep their chances of a semifinal spot alive, scored after just four minutes with All Black winger Doug Howlett crossing out wide after a multiphase build-up and some lovely hands.
But the tide turned when the Blues bungled a backline raid from a scrum in the 27th minute with Ben Atiga throwing a clumsy ball to centre partner Tamiti Ellison 45m from their own try line.
Waratahs centre Nathan Grey kicked through the loose ball twice and scored adjacent to the posts, with Hewat’s conversion levelling the scores at 7-7.
Six minutes later, Hewat scored his 10th try of the year and the Waratahs took a 12-7 lead to the break.
The Waratahs dominated the second half, but just couldn’t pick up the extra try they needed.
They finish the regular season with nine wins. — Sapa-AAP