The Waratahs were involved in a second straight trial thriller but this time they were there the ones on the wrong side of the ledger, losing 17-12 to the Chiefs on Friday afternoon.
With scores locked at 12-all for much of the second half, it was Monty Ioane who snatched the winning try for the Kiwis in the shadows of full-time.
NSW took an early lead in the match, with Rob Horne scoring five minutes into the match to give the Waratahs a 5-0 advantage.
The Chiefs dominated much of the player from there but couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities as the first quarter elapsed.
Chiefs winger Glen Fisiiahi drew first blood for the Chiefs, running in a try in the latter stages of the opening period, drawing scores level.
A second Chiefs try to open the second half put the Waratahs on the back foot but NRL convert Reece Robinson quickly cut the Kiwis’ advantage.
Robinson showed off some of the super pace that made him a target for the Waratahs in the off-season, as he scored his first try for his new club.
While the Waratahs scrum gained ascendency in the latter stages, neither side was able to break a 12-all deadlock as the minutes ticked down.
Waratahs head coach injected plenty of fresh legs into the side for the final quarter, as the sides fought for the win.
After a handling error deep in their attacking territory, the Waratahs handed possession back to the Chiefs, giving the home side a last gasp chance.
Ioane pounced, stealing the win at the death for the New Zealanders.
The Waratahs play their final trial against the Highlanders next Friday at 4:00pm AEDT, and are expected to welcome back Bernard Foley and Israel Folau into the side.
