The NSW Waratahs finally got one over the Queensland counterparts with a 32-24 win in Townsville.
They hung tough and eventually got over the line thanks to their Wallaby contingency, led by Langi Gleeson.
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It is their first win over the Reds since their 2020 thumping victory at the SCG and continues to build momentum for Darren Coleman's side.
So what did we learn?
1 THE POSITION BATTLES
A lot of the hype before this game was around the positional battles. So let’s break down the main ones.
McReight gets the narrow points decision over Hooper with a great performance over the ball. He won four turnovers at the breakdown (although was pinged twice by the referee) and popped up when needed in attack. Hooper was world-class with his engine and work around the ruck to get quick ball for Gordon, ultimately doing enough to get his side over the line.
In the battle of the headgear-wearing eights, we’ll give it to Langi Gleeson. He provided massive impact with his carries and won those key turnovers to be named player of the match on the Stan coverage.
The scrumhalf battle is more of a grey area and would likely be a split decision if you went to the judges, who could be pursued either way. McDermott provided energy in the first half around the ruck whilst Gordon marshalled the Waratahs attack and had a hand in at least two tries, with the Waratahs skipper likely getting the nod if pressed to make a call
2. GLIMPSES OF THEIR BEST
The Waratahs speak about their attack being ‘unstoppable’ when it all comes together and we got a sign of that early in the second half.
It started with fullback Max Jorgensen taking the line on, who had a great outing as he looked to get involved.
There was then great interchange between forwards and backs to put Michael Hooper into space.
Jake Gordon was the ring-leader, keeping the fast-paced attack with a nice pop to Lalakai Foketi for one of the tries of the season.
The string of phases matched the quality the Waratahs should be getting out of their plethora of Wallabies. The key is to see it for 80 minutes.
3. THE UNSUNG HEROES
Taleni Seu has been the missing link in the Waratahs’ hunt for the perfect back row balance.
He gets through a mountain of work and has great carry to go with it, showcasing it with his spin and try. Seu has also quietly become a favourite target of Dave Porecki as a reliable option at line out time.
The Waratahs will be hoping his injury is minor after not returning from the sheds following a stinger to his shoulder
He was joined in kind by Tetera Faulkner, showing off his experience with a perfect scrummaging performance to earn several penalties over Zane Nonggorr.
4. TIME RUNNING OUT
If the Reds want to be playing finals football, they are going to have to do it the hard way.
They won’t have time to lick their wounds with a clash against the unbeaten Chiefs coming in six days' time.
This is followed by a home match against the in-form Blues before tough away trips against the Highlanders and Fijian Drua, who once again claimed a big-name scalp in Suva with the Hurricanes.
Those final two clashes will likely decide their fate, with the Reds needing to find another gear from tonight to play finals football.
5. MORE THAN A ONE-OFF
When Super Rugby organisers sit down to do the draw for 2024, they need to make sure the Reds-Waratahs face off more than once.
The coverage referred to it ‘one of the oldest rivalries in Rugby’ and it delivered with a tense encounter in Townsville.
Tate McDermott referred to before the game as rugby’s version of State of Origin and it brought the best out of the Wallabies hopefuls.
The NSW Waratahs’ heritage jersey is a nice touch as well, reverting back to the old-school colour and collar.
