The NSW Waratahs made a thunderous start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, overpowering the Queensland Reds 36–12 in a one-sided derby at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
Electric winger Max Jorgensen stole the headlines with a scintillating double, but it was the Waratahs’ reshaped forward pack that laid the platform for a statement victory, snapping a four-game losing streak against their fiercest rivals.
New Faces Deliver Immediate Impact
After losing several Wallabies stars from their pack, the Waratahs found new muscle through Pete Samu, debutant Clem Halaholo, and lock Miles Amatosero, who brought physicality and edge throughout the contest.
Halaholo announced himself in emphatic fashion, bulldozing over in the seventh minute to open the scoring and ignite the home crowd. Queensland responded through winger Tim Ryan after flanker Joe Brial hacked ahead a loose ball to level the scores.
But the Waratahs remained firmly in control, with captain Matt Philip opting to build scoreboard pressure through the reliable boot of fly-half Lawson Creighton.
Jorgensen Lights Up Sydney
Jorgensen produced the moment of the night just before halftime, stepping past Reds fullback Jock Campbell and outrunning the defence in a dazzling individual effort that stretched the Waratahs’ advantage.
Queensland captain Fraser McReight worked tirelessly to keep his side in the contest with crucial defensive interventions, while Brial grabbed a late first-half try to reduce the deficit to 17–12 at the break.
Waratahs Pull Away
The Waratahs tightened their grip midway through the second half when prop Isaac Kailea powered over to extend the lead.
Moments later, brilliant interplay involving Charlie Gamble created space for Jorgensen to cross for his second try, effectively sealing the result.
Replacement scrum-half Teddy Wilson added the finishing touch with a late try to secure a valuable bonus point and cap a dominant performance.
Statement Win to Open Campaign
Creighton’s flawless kicking display and the Waratahs’ forward dominance ensured only their second victory over the Reds in their past 10 meetings.
More importantly, it signaled a fresh start for a revamped Waratahs side determined to reassert itself as a force in Super Rugby Pacific.
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