Waratahs blow out the cobwebs in 55-29 trial loss to Highlanders

​THE Waratahs may be without Ned Hanigan for the start of Super Rugby​ after the Wallabies forward came off injured in NSW’s opening trial loss to the Highlanders in Queenstown.

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND — FEBRUARY 02: Lalakai Foketi of the Waratahs runs the ball during the Super Rugby pre-season match between the Highlanders and the Waratahs on February 2, 2018 in Queenstown, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)

​THE Waratahs may be without Ned Hanigan for the start of Super Rugby​ after the Wallabies forward came off injured in NSW’s opening trial loss to the Highlanders in Queenstown.

The Kiwi side proved too strong for the Tahs in their 55-29 victory, running in nine tries to NSW’s five. Ex-Force winger Alex Newsome grabbed a double for the Tahs in his first game in NSW colours.

Trial losses don’t stress coaches too much but trial injuries do, and coach Daryl Gibson will sweat on scans showing what damage Hanigan has done to his knee. The big forward, who was playing lock, came off in the third period after an awkward tackle and the injury is on the same knee that saw Hanigan’s Spring Tour cut short last year due to a medial ligament problem.

Waratahs star Ned Hanigan injured his knee during the trial.

Jake Gordon of the Waratahs.

“We don’t have an indication of how serious that is,” Gibson said.

“We’ll be checking that in the next couple of days.”

The Tahs led 10-7 at the end of the first period but conceded four tries in the second, and another four in the third.

They came home strongly with three late tries to Seb Wileman, Kelly Meafua and Irae Simone but the hosts were way too far in front at that point.

Tevita Nabura of the Highlanders is tackled by Curtis Rona of the Waratahs.

‘I felt we played good controlled football in the first and third periods but in the second we lost our way,” Gibson said.

“We were loose with our possessions and the Kiwis teams really thrive on that loose play. They scored tries off the back of our poor control and the game got away from us at that point.

“At times we let the Highlanders play with too much space and freedom, and that’s a real work on for the team against New Zealand teams. When they have a lot of space to work with they scored some nice long-range tries off a number of our errors.”

Tom Staniforth of the Waratahs passes the ball during the Super Rugby pre-season match between the Highlanders and the Waratahs.

Gibson said the positives from the game was a clear improvement in fitness levels and desire to work.

“There were some really pleasing aspects that came out of it. I was particularly pleased with our fitness and our efforts. That was one thing that was lacking from last year’s team,” Gibson said.

“It really highlighted that we were short on our football, getting our systems in place. So a lot of effort will go into getting those over the next few weeks. But certainly happy with where we are at a fitness point of view.”

Originally published as Waratahs blow out the cobwebs in 55-29 trial loss to Highlanders