The Sydney Roosters have stretched their winning run to four after thumping the New Zealand Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium 46-12 on Sunday afternoon.
Roosters five-eighth James Maloney was in scintillating form, blitzing his way through the defense to set up most of the eight tries and kicking 7/8 conversions in the 34-point victory.
The win secures a top four finish for the 2013 Premiers and has them striding towards the finals series in terrorizing form.
Sean Johnson and Sam Tompkins’ kicking games were excellent for the Warriors in the first half, Tompkins scoring early to make it 6-6 after 11 minutes.
Tries to Aidan Guerra, Michael Jennings and Shaun Kenny-Dowall pushed the half-time score out to 6-16, and the historical rivalry between these two teams seemed poised to produce an exciting contest.
Sydney Roosters Captain Anthony Minichiello scored a brilliant try in the first minute of the second half, taking his tally for the year to 14.
Poor Warriors ball-handling dished up possession to the Roosters time and again and the pain continued for the hosts as a further five tries heaped on the scoreboard, Michael Jennings finishing with a double.
New Zealand missed a total of 49 tackles in a disheartening display before their fans.
“We knew the importance of the game and we didn’t show it,“ was the reflection of Captain Simon Mannering after the match. “Frustration came in the second half as we tried to force (the ball) too much.”
Not even a 11-5 penalty count could help the Warriors get back in touch.
“It’s our season on the line next week,” Mannering stated with uncertain optimism.
The Warriors must win their last two remaining round matches to have any chance of featuring in the NRL finals.
