The NSW Waratahs have snapped a 13-game losing streak against the ACT Brumbies with a stunning 28-23 win in their Super Rugby Pacific Round 6 derby at Allianz Stadium, in Sydney that lived up to every expectation of physicality.
In front of a roaring crowd of 20,572 – the biggest home crowd for the side in two years - the NSW Waratahs delivered a commanding first-half performance and held their nerve in the second half for a long-overdue win over their rivals.
It was a deserved and long-awaited victory for the NSW Waratahs for many reasons, including its standing as a fitting way to honour and champion flanker Charlie Gamble for whom the game was his 50th for the NSW Waratahs.
It certainly meant a lot for everyone in the NSW Waratahs, from Head Coach Dan McKellar to every player, member of the coaching team, staff and supporter.
"It just gives our group a whole lot of belief and confidence now moving forward," McKellar said.
"It's been seven years, 13 in a row they have won. We've got a lot of respect for them as a team but for us, it's a real shot in the arm."
The ACT Brumbies made the early statement, with flyhalf Noah Lolesio slotting two penalties in the first nine minutes to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
However, the NSW Waratahs quickly found their rhythm, showcasing sharp attacking play and clinical execution to take control of the match.
Scrumhalf Teddy Wilson opened the hosts' try-scoring account in the 17th minute off a superb passing sequence after a break by flanker Rob Leota.
Flyhalf Lawson Creighton converted, giving the home side a 7-6 advantage.
Momentum stayed with the NSW Waratahs as winger Triston Reilly then dazzled the crowd in the 23rd minute with an electric kick-and-chase effort, crossing under the posts. Creighton added the extras, taking the lead to 14-6.
The ACT Brumbies' discipline faltered in the 26th minute when hooker Billy Pollard was yellow-carded, and the NSW Waratahs capitalised immediately.
Leota then stormed over the try line in the 34th minute following incisive play from inside centre Joey Walton.
Creighton’s pinpoint accuracy from the tee saw the Waratahs take a commanding 21-6 lead into the halftime break.
The second half saw a spirited response from the ACT Brumbies, with captain and tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa crashing over for a try in the 51st minute.
However, Lolesio was unable to convert, leaving the score at 21-11.
As the ACT Brumbies pressed forward, they were reduced to 14 men in the 54th minute when openside flanker Tom Hooper received a yellow card.
The NSW Waratahs took advantage, maintaining territorial dominance and executing crucial defensive stands.
But the ACT Brumbies struck again in the 67th minute, with left flanker Luke Reimer grounding the ball from a rolling maul.
Replacement Jack Debreczeni converted, cutting the NSW Waratahs' lead to 21-18 and setting up a tense final quarter.
However, the NSW Waratahs refused to let history repeat itself.
In the 72nd minute, winger Max Jorgensen ignited the attack with ball in hand.
He then toed the ball through into space for inside centre Joey Walton to chase it down and then slice through the ACT Brumbies' defence and score.
Tane Edmed, on the field after replacing Creighton, coolly slotted the conversion to restore a 10-point cushion at 28-18.
A late surge from the ACT Brumbies included winger Andy Muirhead's break in the 75th minute to score an unconverted try, but the NSW Waratahs held firm.
A disciplined defensive effort in the final minutes sealed the victory, with the final whistle met by jubilant celebrations from the home crowd.
At Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
Crowd: 20,572
Tries: Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly, Rob Leota, Joey Walton
Conversions: Lawson Creighton (3), Tane Edmed (1)
Tries: Luke Reimer, Andy Muirhead
Conversions: Jack Debreczeni
Penalties: Noah Lolesio (2)
Yellow cards: Billy Pollard, Tom Hooper
