The NSW Waratahs have run out 32-24 winners against the Queensland Reds in Townsville, reclaiming the Bob Templeton cup.
Darren Coleman’s side have won back-to-back matches for the first time this season, move into 6th spot on the ladder, and have ended a four-match losing streak against rivals the Reds.
In humid and hot conditions in North Queensland, the opening half was a tight tussle with neither side able to assert dominance in the game.
Langi Gleeson and Taleni Seu were the standouts for the Waratahs in the forwards, while Jake Gordon continued his purple patch of form, and Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi were once again a handful with ball in hand.
The Waratah’s set piece was a weapon for the side throughout the match, with the scrum winning penalties at will, and the lineout the source for the opening try of the match.
Dave Porecki peeled off a five-metre attacking lineout maul for the opening try in just the 6th minute of the game, before the Reds hit back with a maul try of their own to Matt Faessler.
Taleni Seu, the find of the Super Rugby Pacific 2023 season, showed some fancy footwork to score his second try of the season for the Waratahs, pirouetting around Taj Annan to go over untouched.
The Reds hit back through a Lachlan Creighton penalty goal and Suliasi Vunivalu try to take a 17-14 lead before Ben Donaldson slotted a penalty goal after the half-time siren to level the scores at the break.
A strong defensive effort from the Waratahs and some brilliant ad hoc footy saw the men is sky-blue grab a foothold over the game.
Lalakia Foketi scored one of the tries of the season, finishing off a brilliant attacking run from deep within the Waratahs half, featuring runs from Jorgensen, Pietsch and offloads from Gordon, Holloway, and Hooper.
Harry Johnson-Holmes scored a trademark pick and drive try while Ben Donaldson kicked a 76th minute penalty goal to secure the win.
Peni Ravai scored late for the Reds to leave the scores at 32-24 at fulltime.
Waratahs Captain Jake Gordon said: “It’s huge for us.”
“We spoke about that coming into this game, we’re competing with guys around the same mark as us, I think the Reds were one ahead of us so they’re almost double points, and they’re big games and I think we’ve got four to come.
“It’s an exciting time for us. We’ve just got to be more consistent, still not there, but trending in the right way.”
The Waratahs now face the Rebels on Saturday 13 May at Allianz Stadium in Round 12 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific.
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell, James O'Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia
RESERVES: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu
WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, David Conway
