The NSW Waratahs have kicked clear for a 36-12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Sydney.
The Waratahs' victory came off the back of a clinical second half that saw the hosts run in three straight tries for the win.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Max Jorgensen was sensational in the win with a double, including a spectacular solo effort right before the break.
The Reds found themselves in the game; however, they couldn't find their way through a physical Waratahs defence.
RECAP ALL THE ACTION IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE
Waratahs 36-12: The scoreline is blowing out as Teddy Wilson joins in on the fun.
The scrumhalf finds the grass close to the line as the hosts look set for a bonus point.
Waratahs 31-12: Max Jorgensen isn't letting up as he nails the 50-22
Another penalty against the Reds gives them the chance to try the rolling maul.
Waratahs 31-12: Max Jorgensen has a double but it's all down to Jack Debreczeni and Charlie Gamble.
Debreczeni puts in on a platter and Gamble somehow stays in, flicking it back for his winger to score
Waratahs 24-12: Pete Samu and the crowd think they have it won, but it's knocked off by the touchie.
Max Jorgensen is the man ruled out, just unable to get the ball back to his number eight.
Waratahs 24-12: The Waratahs are hunting for what could be a game-sealing try as they turn down another three, this time delivering the result.
Isaac Kailea is the man with the goods, bashing over from close to the uprights.
Waratahs 17-12: Tough luck for Folau Fainga'a as the hooker is left down after a head knock.
The Wallaby comes off for Ethan Dobbins as he finds his feet, and tries to stay on with the Reds just starting to build momentum in attack.
Waratahs 17-12: Teddy Wilson shows his smarts to notice the ball had spilled out and toes ahead for himself.
Ironman Fraser McReight just wins the race and the Tahs remain on the attack after the accidental offside.
McReight again is there for the turnover ten metres out after the hosts turn down the chance for three.
Waratahs 17-12: The Waratahs and Reds have both started to empty their benches in the search for a spark.
The Reds have swapped their whole front-row, while Teddy Wilson and Folau Fainga'a headline the four changes for the hosts.
The Waratahs march inside the 22, but the Reds again force the turnover.
Waratahs 17-12: Both sides finding themselves in a real kicking battle as the Reds enjoy the better of field position.
The Waratahs are trying to use Max Jorgensen but the Reds are doing well to shut it down.
Another close shave from the hosts ends in a positive outcome thanks to Lawson Creighton's sharp kick.
Waratahs 17-12: The Reds have survived the ten minutes down a man without too much damage as Vaiuta Latu returns to the field.
It comes at a big time as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii can't find Harry Potter and the ball spills into touch 40 metres out.
They win a penalty but can't make the lineout stick, allowing Charlie Gamble to get the pilfer.
Waratahs 17-12: How have the Reds pulled that off?
The Waratahs were about to close out the half, but Joe Brial produces some magic, ripping the ball and then finishing off an overlap for the crucial try.
Waratahs 17-5: Max Jorgensen, you wizard! The winger produces another special solo effort after collecting the ball on his own half.
He breaks the ankles of Jock Campbell and races clear of Louis Werchon to score an early try of the year contender.
Waratahs 10-5: Lawson Creighton slots an easy three as the hosts take the chance to extend the lead.
It's the Reds' tenth penalty of the half, finding themselves as their worst enemy in the first half.
Waratahs 7-5: Vaiuta Latu is the man that pays for the Reds' ill-discipline as the back-rower goes to the bin.
Miles Amatosero thinks he has scored, but his Superman over the ruck is called illegal.
Clem Halaholo goes close from the resulting tap but Fraser McReight does well to hold him up
Waratahs 7-5: Miles Amatosero gets the Waratahs out of jail after another ball is let to bounce.
Amatosero races clear on his goal-line and wins the penalty shortly afterwards
Waratahs 7-5: They may have the lesser-known names, but the Waratahs scrum is on fire early.
That's back-to-back penalties, with the Reds under big pressure to hold them out.
The Reds do enough to be stable and then force the error from Harry Potter.
Waratahs 7-5: Jake Gordon creates something out of nothing with a quick tap and suddenly the Waratahs are on the attack.
Gordon finds Harry Potter to settle the play, with the hosts winning the penalty right in front as they opt for a midfield scrum.
Waratahs 7-5: The Reds have found their groove after early struggles, finding holes in the hosts defence.
They capitalise on a bomb that is left to bounce to keep the pressure on, before a strong shot from Pete Samu forces the mistake.
Waratahs 7-5: Deadset chaos ends in a Tim Ryan try in remarkable scenes.
It starts with a damaging break that is stopped by an amazing steal from max Jorgensen.
A loose offload as they counter finds Joe Brial, who kicks ahead for Ryan, beating Gamble to the ball for the try in the corner.
Waratahs 7-0: The Waratahs are holding on deep in their territory as the Reds press.
They win a crucial penalty to alleviate some of that pressure, with the visitors hot on attack.
A great break from Jock Campbell opens the hosts up, unable to find the support.
Waratahs 7-0: The Queenslanders instantly go on the attack after Joe Brial wins a turnover.
Their rolling maul is on early as they drive 15 metres and win another penalty.
But the Waratahs hang on and sack it the second time around, winning the scrum.
Waratahs 7-0: What a story for Clem Halaholo as the debutant scores first.
The back-rower powers his way to the line after relentless pressure from the hosts, and boy is he happy!
Dangerous time for the Reds as they cop several penalties on their goal-line.
Referee Paul Williams issues the warning to captain Fraser McReight as the Tahs kick for the line.
The NSW Waratahs have the first chance to attack as they kick inside the 22.
Max Jorgensen looks dangerous but the Reds turn him over. As soon as they try and clear, excellent work from Matt Philip charges down Louis Werchon and wins the lineout 15 out.
The Reds again come up with the defensive play, with the hosts under penalty advantage.
After a moment of silence for the Bondi attacks and other passings in the community, the Waratahs get this game underway.
The hosts are running right to left on screen, with the Reds receiving the kick.
Ethan Dobbins with the early pilfer penalty and the 'Tahs go on the attack.
Tries: Halaholo, Jorgensen 2, Kailea, Wilson
Cons: Creighton 4/5
Pens: Creighton 1/1
Tries: Ryan, Brial
Cons: McLaughlin-Phillips 1/2
The Highlanders have started the season with a cracking 25-23 win over the Crusaders.
Cam Millar was the hero with the long-range penalty with 90 seconds to go, delighting the home crowd.
Will Jordan had a massive impact off the bench; however, he couldn't find a way through after the siren.
Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the NSW Waratahs-Queensland Reds match in Sydney.
Both sides are confirmed unchanged from the team namings on Wednesday.
Conditions are colder than you would expect for this time of the year but the rain is set to hold off.
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, James Hendren
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Triston Reilly
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, John Bryant, James Martens, Finn Mackay, Xavier Rubens
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Michael Winter
TMO: Graham Cooper
The Waratahs' clash with the Reds will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 7:00 pm with kickoff expected at 7:35 pm.