The NSW Waratahs fell short against the Queensland Reds in their Round 5 Super Rugby Pacific encounter at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, despite a promising first twenty minutes that had all the hallmarks of a successful night for the side.
However, after taking an early lead the NSW Waratahs were unable to match the Reds’ physicality and execution, succumbing to a 35-15 defeat in front of 20,072 spectators.
The game turned against the NSW Waratahs after fullback Andrew Kellaway was yellow carded at the 15th minute for his tackle on No. 8 Harry Wilson.
Some soft tries resulted, including one off a rolling maul in the 32nd minute by reserve Richie Asiata hooker
“We didn’t capitalize on early opportunities,” NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said.
“That first 20 minutes, I thought we executed what we spoke about and trained all week really well, but we didn’t take advantage of it.
“Then the yellow card came, and we sort of fell off a cliff. Just some really soft moments that are not good enough. That rolling maul try was embarrassing for all involved.”
McKellar also acknowledged the need for greater patience in attack.
“We had penalty advantage in good positions, but we rushed things,” McKellar said.
“We dominated the collisions early, but we went for all-or-nothing plays when we needed to stay calm.
"Those are learning moments for this group.”
NSW Waratahs captain Hugh Sinclair concurred with McKellar, saying: “It’s always a tough place to come and play. We started well, but we needed more points early on.
“The yellow card hurt, and we let in some soft tries. We were really physical in the first twenty minutes, but for the next sixty, they were the better side. We deserved the loss.”
The Queensland Reds went on to take a 21-8 lead into halftime, despite the NSW Waratahs starting with intensity and seemingly determined to make a statement.
They struck first in just the second minute, as scrumhalf Teddy Wilson provided a perfectly timed pass to winger Triston Reilly, who found space to race over the try line.
Flyhalf Lawson Creighton was unable to convert, but NSW had taken an early 5-0 lead.
But the Queensland Reds responded quickly, capitalising on a powerful run from hooker Matt Faessler in the eighth minute to create an opening for flanker Seru Uru.
After Kellaway was yellow carded, the Queensland Reds struck with fullback Heremaia Murray scoring in the 19th minute. Flyhalf Tom Lynagh converted to put them 7-5 up.
The NSW Waratahs showed resilience, regaining the lead in the 24th minute through a well-struck penalty goal from Creighton to go 8-7 up.
However, Queensland’s forward dominance soon became apparent.
The NSW Waratahs found themselves under sustained pressure, and Wilson scored in the 27th minute. Lynagh’s conversion extended their lead to 14-8.
The NSW Waratahs struggled to contain the Queensland Reds’ rolling maul, and in the 32nd minute, Asiata powered over. Lynagh’s conversion saw them lead 21-8 at half-time.
The NSW Waratahs began the second half determined to claw their way back into the contest. However, their hopes took a hit early as the Queensland Reds struck quickly.
In the 44th minute, winger Lachie Anderson sliced through the NSW Waratahs' defense and set up flanker Fraser McReight for a try. Lynagh’s conversion put them 28-8 up.
Despite multiple substitutions injecting fresh energy into the side, the NSW Waratahs found it difficult to break through the Queensland Reds’ structured defensive line.
However, they found a lifeline in the 73rd minute when Langi Gleeson, replacing No. 8 Leafi Talataina, showed his strength to barge over for a much-needed try.
Tane Edmed, who came on for Creighton at flyhalf converted the try, reducing the deficit to 28-15.
But as the NSW Waratahs looked to mount a late comeback, the Queensland Reds shut the door.
In the 65th minute, Ryan Smith provided an assist for fellow lock Angus Blyth to score their final try. Lynagh’s perfect night with the boot to convert and seal a 35-15 win.
At Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Crowd: 20,072
Tries: Triston Reilly, Langie Gleeson
Conversions: Tane Edmed
Penalties: Lawson Creighton
Yellow card: Andrew Kellaway (15th min)
Tries: Heremaia Murray, Richie Asiata, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Angus Blyth
Conversions: Tom Lynagh (5)
