The NSW Waratahs finally broke their Canberra curse, edging the ACT Brumbies 30-28 in a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific clash on Friday.
Heading into the fixture, the Waratahs had lost eight straight matches at GIO Stadium. That streak looked set to continue at different stages of a chaotic contest, but they held their nerve when it mattered most.
The visitors exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 21-7 lead in the first half. Early intent paid off almost immediately when Clem Halaholo pounced on a loose ball to score in just the third minute. The Brumbies responded through Lachie Shaw, but the Waratahs kept their foot on the gas.
Even with Pete Samu in the sin bin, Andrew Kellaway made his mark, finishing a well-worked move to underline his case for a starting spot. Moments later, Max Jorgensen turned defence into attack with a turnover and break that led to Joey Walton crossing, stretching the lead.
But as has been the story of their season, the Waratahs couldn’t fully shut the door. The Brumbies clawed their way back before halftime, with Charlie Cale adding to his competition-leading try tally to make it 21-14 at the break.
The second half followed a familiar script. The Brumbies surged, with Rob Valetini punching holes in the defence before Ryan Lonergan’s sharp service set up Shaw for his second try, levelling the scores.
Memories of last week’s collapse against the Blues loomed large for the Waratahs. Leading late in that match, they had fallen apart. This time, they found a different ending.
Sid Harvey proved the difference, calmly slotting three crucial penalties in the final quarter to push the Waratahs ahead. Each kick steadied the visitors as the Brumbies struggled to convert pressure into points.
There was still late drama. Substitute Luke Reimer crossed in the 78th minute to bring the Brumbies within two, setting up a frantic finish. But a costly handling error from Kadin Pritchard handed possession back to the Waratahs, who closed out the game.
Standout performances came from Kellaway, who marked his return with a try and strong running, and Jack Debreczeni, who dictated play with composure against his former side.
For the Brumbies, Valetini was immense with ball in hand, while Lonergan controlled proceedings throughout, but their late execution let them down.
For the Waratahs, it may not have been perfect, but it was priceless — a gritty, hard-fought win that snapped a losing streak and reignited their season.
NSW Waratahs 30 (Tries: Kellaway, Walton, Halaholo; Cons: Harvey 3; Pens: Harvey 3) def ACT Brumbies 28 (Tries: Shaw 2, Cale, Reimer; Cons: Lonergan 3, Edmed)
Teams
Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (captain), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton
Waratahs: 15 Sid Harvey, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joey Walton, 12 Lawson Creighton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jamie Adamson, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (captain), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Charlie Gamble, 21 Angus Scott-Young, 22 Teddy Wilson, 23 Triston Reilly
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Graham Cooper
English