The NSW Waratahs will leave Allianz Stadium frustrated after a 23-21 defeat to the Highlanders.
Both teams were below their best but the Highlanders just found a way to survive with the win after Tane Edmed's penalty sailed right.
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So what did we learn?
Tane Edmed had the chance to deliver twice for the Waratahs, but just couldn’t find his radar.
It’s been a rollercoaster start for the flyhalf after his starring hand last weekend against the Crusaders.
The conversion from the sideline was difficult but it’s the type of kicks you need to make to be an elite sharpshooter and a Test-quality player.
His counterpart Sam Gilbert also had a chance in the 71st minute fade to the right, but his sideline conversion earlier in the half proved the difference.
The Waratahs kept letting the Highlanders back in the game thanks to the visitors' great work at restart.
The visitors had a clear plan to go short to Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and it delivered time and time again. The Waratahs had similar issues against the Crusaders, although coach Darren Coleman is confident today's struggles were more around how great the Highlanders were aerial.
Despite this, restarts are a problem plaguing Australian Rugby at the moment, from the Super sides to even the Sevens teams.
You can’t afford to give up easy ball and invite pressure onto your line after scoring.
Izzy Perese shows his value as a game-breaker, returning to his best in the first half.
He has a great ability to beat the first tackler and ride the contact, displayed in his 30th-minute try.
The centre finished with nine tackle busts to go with the try and a couple of offloads.
Perese was supported well by Triston Reilly, delivering a great performance in his debut start He looks a more well-rounded player after his stint in rugby league.
The Waratahs were just a step behind when it came down to their attacking breakdowns.
Between the two Highlanders wingers, they had five turnovers at the breakdown.
As lock Hugh Sinclair noted, they were just disconnected when the clearing player arrived at the ruck, disrupting their ball.
It’s what the Waratahs have been preaching throughout the week and what undid them.
They were off in too many aspects of their game tonight with a solid 13,533 crowd in attendance, allowing a Highlanders side far from their best to win.
The Waratahs had a chance for a real statement win if they could find a way to close out the game at the end. Unfortunately, they now have to find a way to recapture last week’s form against a red-hot Blues side.
