The NSW Waratahs defeated the Brumbies 30-28, breaking their eight consecutive losing games at the GIO Stadium last night in round 7 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
The Waratahs were sharp in both attack and defence, taking a 21–14 lead into halftime.
The Brumbies fought back in the second half to level the scores, and it briefly looked as though the visitors might surrender another winning position—having led 20–8 against the Blues the previous week before falling 35–20 however, three costly penalties conceded in the final 15 minutes allowed Sid Harvey to slot crucial goals.
Stepping in for Wallaby Harry Potter in just his second appearance of the season, winger Andrew Kellaway impressed coach Dan McKellar with a strong performance on the blindside.
He scored a try and ran for 39 metres, making a strong case to retain his spot.
Unlike their comeback win last Friday—when the Brumbies overturned a 17-point deficit to beat last year’s grand finalists, the Chiefs, 33–24—their attack failed to fire late in this match.
Captain Ryan Lonergan led from the front, recording 97 passes and 15 kicks in what was his side’s final game before the bye.
Flanker Rob Valetini was equally influential, gaining 71 metres and beating seven defenders, while fly-half Declan Meredith, recently mentioned as a potential Wallabies contender, made 21 passes and ran for 19 metres.
The visitors started brightly, opening the scoring in the third minute when Clem Halaholo picked the ball from the ruck and powered over.
The Brumbies responded soon after, and following sustained pressure, second-rower Lachie Shaw crossed in the 11th minute.
Despite being reduced to 14 men after Pete Samu was shown a yellow card, the Waratahs struck again, with Kellaway strolling over for a try.
NSW then turned defence into attack, as Max Jorgensen stripped the ball and sprinted downfield. The move continued to the right, where Joey Walton finished it off in the 28th minute.
The Brumbies equalised when Valetini broke through the line before Lonergan delivered a sharp pass to Shaw, who claimed his second try.
Harvey’s three late penalty goals extended the Waratahs’ lead to 30–21 with just over five minutes remaining.
Substitute Luke Reimer gave the Brumbies hope with a try in the 78th minute, but after Kadin Pritchard lost possession, the Waratahs held firm to secure the win.
In other results, the Highlanders defeated Moana Pasifika 39-19.
Meanwhile, the Reds will meet the Hurricenes at 3.35pm today, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Blues today at 6.05pm, while the Western Force play the Chiefs at 8.35pm.
