The NSW Waratahs have won their third consecutive Santos Cup, defeating the Queensland Reds 33-32 at the Santos Festival of Rugby at Dangar Park in Narrabri.
Nemani Nadolo scored the match-winner with five minutes left in the game, snatching the win and providing the side with plenty of confidence heading into round one.
The Waratahs and Reds both fielded near full-strength sides to kick off proceedings with NSW Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman welcoming back Wallabies Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Lalakai Foketi, and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The Waratahs dominated the opening exchanges of the match and were rewarded with the first try of the match through Mahe Vailanu who finished off a rolling maul.
The Reds hit back with two tries of their own through Floyd Aubrey and Harry Wilson, before Mosese Tuipulotu grabbed one back for the Waratahs, taking advantage of a spilled catch from Red’s winger Floyd Aubrey.
Tom Lynagh looked like he had the Reds headed to the break with the lead courtesy of a penalty goal, until Mahe Vailanu scored his second try of the night after the half-time siren, for a 21-18 lead to the Waratahs.
Darren Coleman rang the changes at half-time, with Ben Donaldson switching to fly-half and Tane Edmed going to inside centre while Nemani Nadolo came onto the wing with Max Jorgensen going to fullback.
The halftime changes paid dividends immediately with Jorgensen scoring his first try in a Waratahs jersey with an elusive individual effort in the 41st minute to extend the lead to 28-18.
Langi Gleeson came on in the 54th minute for Lachie Swinton but was back on the sidelines only a minute later after he was yellow-carded for a tip tackle on Fraser McReight.
The Reds took control of the game and took the lead through tries to Taj Annan and Lawson Creighton but the Waratahs’ newest recruit Nemani Nadolo ensured the Waratahs faithful left happy scoring the match winner in the 75th minute.
The Waratahs’ defence held firm to close out the game and secure their third consecutive Santos Cup.
Waratah’s skipper Jake Gordon was pleased with his side’s performance.
“It was a great win, especially for the whole group returning this week and the guys who followed up from the Brumbies game,” Gordon said.
“I think what you saw wasn’t a complete performance but glimpses of how we want to play in each half.
“It was important that we got a result tonight, so it was really exciting for the group and we can’t wait for round one.”
The Waratahs finish their road home to Allianz Stadium with matches against West Harbour and the Western Sydney Two Blues next Saturday at Concord Oval.
New South Wales Waratahs 33
Tries: Mahe Vailanu 2, Mosese Tuipulotu, Max Jorgensen, Nemani Nadolo
Conversions: Tane Edmed 4
Queensland Reds 32
Tries: Floyd Aubrey, Harry Wilson, Taj Annan, Lawson Creighton Conversions: Tom Lynagh, Creighton 2
Penalties: Lynagh 2
