The NSW Waratahs have won back-to-back games for the first time since 2020, prevailing over the Melbourne Rebels with a hard-fought 24-19 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Core skills let both sides down throughout the night with the match being played at a helter-skelter pace with plenty of passes pushed and chances gone begging.
The Waratahs threatened throughout the match to put the Rebels away, but some poor execution from the home side, a dogged never say die attitude from the Rebels, and the boot of Matt To’omua kept the visitors in the contest until the final whistle.
The Waratahs were also forced into multiple personal changes through the match after losing Geoff Cridge (HIA), Angus Bell (back spasm) in the first half, and Ben Donaldson (calf) early in the second half.
The Rebels got on the scoreboard early through a Matt To’omua penalty goal before the Waratahs hit back through tries to Lalakai Foketi and Will Harris.
The Wallabies’ centre burst through the Rebels midfield off a Waratahs attacking scrum, bumping off two defenders to score the opening try of the match.
Will Harris then scored his fourth try of the season dragging two Rebels defenders on his back on his way to score.
To’omua added another penalty goal for the Rebels to leave the score at 14-6 at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first with both sides attempting to play expansive rugby, but poor handling and basic errors ruining attacking opportunities.
Will Harrison and Matt To’omua traded penalty goals before Alex Newsome and Cabous Eloff scored tries to leave the game in the balance.
The Waratahs were eventually able to close out the game with the win taking the home side to third on the ladder.
NSW Waratahs Captain Jed Holloway said "Wins are always pleasing but I wouldn't say that's a performance to be proud of - there's a lot to work on there.
"We were messy getting out of our own end and our lineout had some issues throughout the whole game."
The Waratahs now turn their attention to their Round 6 clash against the QLD Reds next Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
Waratahs 24 (Tries: Foketi, Harris, Newsome Conversions: Harrison 3 Penalties: Harrison) def. Rebels 19 (Tries: Eloff Conversions: Gordon Penalties: To’omua 4) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway (c), Geoff Cridge, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Jack Grant, Ben Donaldson, Alex Newsome, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Dylan Pietsch, Will Harrison
RESERVES: Tom Horton, Te Tera Faulkner, Ruan Smith/Archer Holz, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Teddy Wilson, Jamie Roberts, Mark Nawaqanitawase
REBELS (1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Michael Wells (c), Richard Hardwick, Tamati Ioane, Joe Powell, Matt To'omua, Glen Vaihu, Ray Nu'u, Young Tonumaipea, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge
RESERVES: Efi Ma'afu, Matt Gibbon, Rhys Van Nek, Sam Wallis, Brad Wilkin, James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Stacey Ili
