In a pulsating start to the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the NSW Waratahs secured a dramatic 37-36 victory over the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium. The match, characterised by multiple lead changes and high-intensity play, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.
Match Highlights:
- Decisive Moment: Replacement prop Siosifa Amone emerged as the hero, scoring a try in the dying seconds next to the posts. This set up a straightforward conversion for Jack Bowen, clinching the win for the Waratahs.
- Standout Performances:
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: Making his much-anticipated debut, Suaalii displayed moments of brilliance, including two significant line breaks. One of these led to a crucial try by Max Jorgensen.
- Siosifa Amone: Coming off the bench, Amone made a substantial impact, crossing the try line twice in the final 12 minutes to turn the tide in favour of the Waratahs.
- Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders): The winger was a constant threat, recording two tries and amassing impressive meters on the field.
Scoring Summary:
- Waratahs Tries: Siosifa Amone (67′, 79′), Max Jorgensen (61′), Dave Porecki (47′), Rob Leota (33′)
- Conversions: Tane Edmed (34′, 48′), Jack Bowen (80′)
- Penalty Goals: Tane Edmed (10′, 40′)
- Highlanders Tries: Caleb Tangitau (5′, 64′), Timoci Tavatavanawai (25′), Veveni Lasaqa (56′), Sefo Kautai (71′)
- Conversions: Sam Gilbert (26′, 57′, 65′), Cameron Millar (72′)
- Penalty Goal: Sam Gilbert (45′)
Key Moments:
- Early Pressure: The Highlanders capitalised on a Waratahs error early in the match, with Tangitau opening the scoring in the 5th minute.
- Waratahs’ Response: Despite trailing, the Waratahs rallied with tries from Leota and Porecki, showcasing effective forward play and set-piece execution.
- Seesaw Battle: The second half saw the lead change multiple times, with both teams displaying attacking flair and defensive resilience.
- Final Surge: In the closing moments, the Waratahs maintained composure, executing a series of phases that culminated in Amone’s match-winning try.
Player Insights:
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: While experiencing some handling challenges, Suaalii’s athleticism and vision were evident, particularly in his line breaks that set up pivotal scoring opportunities.
- Siosifa Amone: Demonstrated exceptional impact off the bench, with his decisive tries underscoring his potential as a game-changer.
- Caleb Tangitau: Highlighted his finishing prowess and ability to exploit defensive gaps, contributing significantly to the Highlanders’ offensive efforts.
Coach’s Perspective:
Waratahs’ Head Coach Dan McKellar expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of belief and resilience:
“We spoke pre-game about having belief in each other… The last passage of play there… we were far from perfect. But the nice thing is there’re some harsh learnings that we can review off the back of a win.”
Looking Ahead:
The Waratahs will utilise their round 2 bye to regroup and address areas for improvement before hosting the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium on 28 February. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early for what promises to be another exhilarating encounter.
