The NSW Waratahs have taken another step toward locking up a home final with a 47-19 win over the Queensland Reds in Roma.
Remarkably, it was the exact same scoreline as the fixture 12 months ago in Narrabri as the visitors rode a strong first half to victory.
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Centre Otto Serfontein continues to press his claims for a Super Rugby Pacific spot as the Easts product was in everything early, scoring the opener.
Serfontein ran a great line to slice through the defence and was a handful for a Reds backline decimated by injury, calling upon ex-NRL star David Fusitu’a and former Wallaby Sefa Naivalu.
Easts teammates Sid Harvey and Teddy Wilson were at their typical best as the points rained early for the Waratahs.
Harvey glided over for a five pointer off the back of a brilliant kick from Max Burey, who continues to shine in Super Rugby AUS.
The scoreline may have been 14-0 at the break but the Waratahs quickly snuffed out the Reds comeback after some promising breaks from the call-ups.
Tries to Ethan Dobbins and Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong added to the lead and when Wilson ran his trademark support line off George Poolman, the scoreline was 33-0.
Winger Tim Ryan eventually got the Reds on the board in the 57th minute, crossing unmarked in the corner.
But the Waratahs' power was the story, as a strong burst from Serfontein created space for Marshall Le Maitre to coast through a gap.
Le Maitre turned provider for Joe Dillon, who added plenty off the best, with the flyhalf coasting over to cap off the win.
Late tries to John Bryant and Alex Flanagan Smith limited the damage for the hosts.
But it was all the Waratahs, who can now secure their spot in the decider with a Western Force victory against the ACT Brumbies tomorrow.
