Bold claim: the NSW Waratahs shattered their recent malaise with a commanding opening-round win, signaling a new era and a much-needed surge in confidence. But here’s where it gets controversial: does one big derby victory against the Reds prove they’ve truly turned the corner, or is it just early-season optimism? And this is the part most people miss: the dramatic shift came not just from a star-studded backline, but from a transformed forward pack that imposed the tempo and grind, setting up the win with relentless pressure.
The Waratahs pulsed into the year with a 36-12 derby victory over the Queensland Reds in Sydney, marking their first win in the Super Rugby Pacific season after a strings of losses to their arch rivals. Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen was spectacular, scoring twice, while the new forward contingent delivered most of the impact, giving NSW the teeth they needed to snap a four-match skid against Queensland.
Key personnel shifts shaped the night: NSW faced the challenge of replacing seasoned Test players Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Rob Leota, and Langi Gleeson. In response, inspirational newcomers Pete Samu and Clem Halaholo, along with hard-nosed lock Miles Amatosero, supplied the grunt and momentum that the Waratahs rode to victory. Replacement half Teddy Wilson added a late flourish, crossing for NSW’s fifth try in the penultimate minute to lock in a precious bonus point in front of a raucous home crowd at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Lawson Creighton was a steadying presence at flyhalf, landing five goals from five attempts to help power the 36-point tally. It stood as only the second time in ten matches that NSW had beaten the Reds, underscoring how significant the win was for the franchise.
Samu, who arrived after starring for Union Bordeaux Begles in last year’s European Cup final, reflected on the night: “It’s an awesome feeling. It’s great to get out there with the boys, including some promising debutants, and to secure the win—an awesome feeling all around.”
In truth, the Waratahs could have pressed for a bigger margin. They missed several opportunities to convert penalties, but their confidence paid dividends when Clem Halaholo, on debut, exploded through the defence to claim the opening try in the seventh minute. The forward pack’s early aggression set the tone, even as a momentary lapse saw Reds flanker Joe Brial pounce on a loose pass from Halaholo to send Tim Ryan through for Queensland’s first try in the 20th minute.
Amatosero, returning from a two-game suspension, looked sharp when he burst through open space for a 30-metre sprint, only for a denial by the referee before the ball could be grounded. A sequence of near-misses for NSW, coupled with a couple of crucial defences from Reds captain Fraser McReight, kept the Reds within striking distance as the first half progressed.
Matt Philip, named captain for his NSW debut at 31, signalled a stop-start approach to the half by instructing Creighton to take the three points on offer, nudging NSW ahead 10-5. Jorgensen then produced a moment of magic just before the break, sidestepping Reds fullback Jock Campbell and outpacing Louis Werchon to score a sensational try, with James Hendren praising the winger’s electric impact.
The halftime score stood at 17-12, with NSW in control but the Reds showing signs of life as they closed out the period with a late line-break that Brial converted into a try in the left corner.
The second half remained scoreless until the 65th minute when replacement prop Isaac Kailea muscled over to extend the lead. A highlight reel moment followed as Debreczeni’s cross-field kick found flanker Charlie Gamble on the wing; Gamble’s offload to Jorgensen set up the winger’s second try and effectively sealed the result.
Wilson’s late try wrapped up the celebrations for NSW, who savored a home win and the prospect of building momentum from here. The Reds, meanwhile, will be aiming to regroup quickly after a tough night in Sydney.
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