The NSW Waratahs’ unbeaten home record in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season came to an end on Friday night, with a late surge from the Queensland Reds securing them a 21-28 win at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney.
In slippery, rain-affected conditions and before an 18,945 crowd, the NSW Waratahs were left to rue missed opportunities and ill-discipline in the much-hyped Round 13 derby as the Queensland Reds came from behind to win.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar was openly disappointed for his charges, especially after their effort in defence.
"It's a tough one. It's really, really tough. Incredibly frustrating," McKellar said.
"Some really dumb penalties that hurt us at key moments."
However, McKellar lauded the side's defensive effort, especially as a response to last week's blow-out loss to the ACT Brumbies.
"Our defensive effort was incredible, really courageous, and that's what we asked for, but you've got to back it up with better execution," McKellar said.
With the score at 14-all at the break, the NSW Waratahs started the second half brightly.
Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou, who had come back on from the bench after playing as a first-half substitution when prop Dan Botha was yellow carded, muscled over the line in the 51st minute to score his side's third five-pointer.
Flyhalf Tane Edmed converted to give the NSW Waratahs a 21-14 lead.
Then Tupou, playing his best game of the season off the bench, was shown a yellow card in the 66th minute, leaving the NSW Waratahs a man down.
After Lock Josh Canham burst through in the 67th minute, hooker Josh Nasser scored off a rolling maul. With McLaughlin-Phillips’ conversion, it was 21-21.
Then reserve back Kalani Thomas darted through a tiring defensive line before outside centre Filipo Daugunu and winger Lachie Anderson combined for an attacking move that saw Anderson score in the corner in the 75th minute.
Anderson’s try put the Queensland Reds in front on 21-26 for the first time. McLaughlin-Phillips’ conversion extended the score to 21-28 where it remained.
The two sides went into the sheds all square at 14-14 after an intense and eventful first half, with both sides scoring two converted tries apiece.
The match began under dry skies, but rain began to fall after about 20 minutes, making handling difficult and setting the tone for a gritty contest.
The NSW Waratahs struck first. Outside centre Henry O'Donnell powered over in the eighth minute following strong lead-up work by Number 8. Langi Gleeson. Flyhalf Tane Edmed added the extras to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.
A sustained attacking push midway through the half saw Gleeson again involved, bursting through the defensive line to set up another opportunity.
The NSW Waratahs capitalised shortly after when scrumhalf and captain Jake Gordon sniped over from close range in the 19th minute, with Edmed again successful off the tee to put the home side up 14-0.
However, the momentum began to shift after the rain arrived.
The Queensland Reds started to gain territory and apply pressure, eventually breaking through via scrumhalf and captain Tate McDermott, who darted over in the 27th minute. Flyhalf Tom Lynagh’s conversion narrowed the gap to 14-7.
The NSW Waratahs suffered a setback at the half-hour mark when prop Daniel Botha was shown a yellow card.
Things worsened when fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was taken off in a medi-cab following a head knock, the unfortunate result of accidental contact at the breakdown with teammate Andrew Kellaway’s knee.
Suaalii went off in a neck brace for precautionary reasons and was observed in the medical room where he showed concussion symptoms. He then went home with his family. He will be assessed by the medical team over the coming days.
Meanwhile, with Suaalii out, outside back Darby Lancaster entered the fray.
The Queensland Reds capitalised on the numerical advantage from Botha’s absence: hooker Richie Asiata scored from a rolling maul in the 38th minute.
Lynagh’s conversion levelled the scores at 14-all.
Tries: Henry O'Donnel, Jake Gordon, Taniela Tupou
Conversions: Tane Edmed (3)
Tries: Tate McDermott, Richie Asiata, Josh Nasser, Lachie Anderson
Conversions: Tom Lynagh (2), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (2)
