The NSW Waratahs have started their year on fire with a bonus-point 36-12 win over the Queensland Reds.
A dominant second-half was the difference as the hosts rampaged home for full points and a statement victory.
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So what did we learn?
The Waratahs proved their Super Rugby AUS success was no one-off as the defensive edge from that title campaign carried over.
Their defence smothered the Reds all night, allowing them to really dictate the contest.
At 17-12, past Waratahs teams would’ve crumbled, but instead, the intensity ramped up, and they ran away for what was in the end an easy victory.
It was far from perfect - there were way too many times they were unnecessarily chaotic and gave the Reds chances against the run of play.
But coach Dan McKellar will overall be happy with his team’s performance.
The Reds made life way too hard for themselves in the first half and were forced to chase the game, ultimately running out of gas for a comeback
11 penalties in the opening 40 minutes just invited pressure on their line that the Waratahs capitalised on for the half-time lead, finishing at 17 penalties.
They also let their chances inside the Waratahs 22 slip, struggling at set-piece time. The passage of play in the 13th minute summed it up, giving away a short-arm five metres out and then missing the lineout from the resulting kick
It's a sign of a team still building amid a lot of injuries.
The NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia got a return on Max Jorgensen’s big contract almost instantly, with the winger’s solo try one of the best you will see.
He possesses an X-factor not many in World Rugby, let alone Australian, have as he torched Jock Campbell with a filthy in-and-out to score right before the break.
He then backed up Charlie Gamble for his second, never letting up as his 50-22 helped secure the full points.
Jorgensen is the type of player who gets fans interested as soon as he touches the ball.
The Waratahs’ hopes lie in the health of the young winger and whether they can get him more opportunities like that.
Coach Les Kiss will hope the bye eases their injury issues, as they missed their big guns tonight. Fraser McReight and Hunter Paisami were excellent but their efforts weren’t enough as the visitors lacked polish in attack.
Both their tries came from one-off strikes as they struggled through a rugged Waratahs defence. Ultimately, it's too tough when you start your season down five capped Test halves (Gordon, Lynagh, Volavola, McDermott, Thomas).
They need the likes of Gordon, Harry Wilson and McDermott back if they are to do something special in 2026.
With a host of big names out, both teams showed that Australia's back-row depth is rock-solid for the future.
Clem Halaholo added a real physical edge to the ‘Tahs on debut, deservingly opening the scoring in a productive half.
He was met by Reds' counterpart Joe Brial, one of the visitors’ best in the first half. His steal and try kept them in the game and really stemmed the Waratahs’ momentum.
It’s a great sign for selectors for the future, with lock Miles Amatosero also stepping up on his return from suspension.
