Queensland Reds break Waratahs’ hearts in Super Rugby epic

Two of Super Rugby’s most bitter rivals played out a tightly-fought contest in torrential conditions at Leichhardt Oval on Friday.

The Reds broke their rivals’ hearts. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

The Queensland Reds have brought the Waratahs crashing back to earth, proving with their 20-16 win that the Tahs still have a little way to go before they can shake off their dismal 2021 campaign and return to the Super Rugby penthouse.

Victory in torrential conditions came at a price for the Reds, who were left reeling by injuries to key players Tate McDermott and Taniela Tupou.

The Tahs failed to win a single game in 2021 and lost their two matches against eventual premiers Queensland by a combined total of 87-21.

But after a win in round one and a gutsy showing on Friday night, the Tahs can hold their heads high – clear foundations have been laid to rise from the mire and restore the side to its former glory.

Friday night’s starting Waratahs were apparently the only 15 Sydneysiders unaware of the tempestuous conditions in the Harbour City – the home side was enterprising and expansive with the ball early on but couldn’t make the Reds pay in the wet.

The Tahs rejected a shot at penalty goal that would’ve helped them draw level, instead opting to keep on the attack down 3-0.

The choice to face a scrum rather than shoot at goal was no doubt influenced by the late withdrawal of Reds big man Tupou (back injury).

But the Tahs couldn’t capitalise on their early opportunities and likely kicked themselves when the Reds drew blood from their first foray into the danger zone.

James O’Connor sent a pitch-perfect chip kick to fellow Wallaby Jordan Petaia, who even in the wet, wasn’t going to bungle the finish. For all their hard work, the Tahs were 10-0 in arrears.

But the home side refused to be deterred and continued to put themselves in position to open their account.

They struck back through Will Harris, who clattered over from a scrum play. When Ben Donaldson iced a penalty goal in the dying minutes, the scores were locked up at the break.

Harris scored the Tahs’ first-half try. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

The sole Reds captain for the first time in his career, McDermott limped off just before the break with what looked to be a painful ankle injury.

The Tahs kept playing champagne rugby in the second half, refusing to let the weather stop them from chancing their arm.

Donaldson gave them the lead for the first time all day in the 62nd minute with a drop goal but once again it was the Queenslanders who were able to turn chances into tries.

The Tahs had their hearts broken late in the piece when Ryan Smith barged over for the Reds’ second try, just minutes after coach Darren Coleman made the huge call to replace the Tahs’ entire front row.

Despite even more chances for the New South Welshmen, the deadlock remained and the Tahs were dealt a brutal reminder that sometimes, even with all the injuries and none of the possession, champion sides find a way to win.

“It was a good show from the boys tonight,” McDermott told Stan Sport at full time.

“Just the fight, particularly in that last 10 minutes. I’m just really proud of this team. Proud to be a Queenslander.”

Waratahs captain Jake Gordon lauded his side’s efforts.

“Especially in the conditions … we controlled the possession really well, we just let ourselves down at the end with our set piece, which was disappointing” he told Stan Sport.

Code Red

The Reds were rocked by an injury blow at the 11th hour when Tupou injured his back in the warm-up and was ruled out of the match.

The injury robbed fans of what looked to be a mouth-watering clash of two premier front-rowers – Tupou was set to clash with Angus Bell in the scrum.

Things only got worse for the Reds when McDermott followed him to the casualty ward.

A medico attended to the skipper in the in-goal after he fell awkwardly in a tackle just before the break. He hobbled from the field and watched the remainder of the contest from the sidelines.

“We’ll review it tomorrow. Hopefully it’s not too serious,” said McDermott.

Angus Scott-Young assumed the captaincy in McDermott’s absence but he too was subbed out with an injury in the second half.

The Reds have won their first two games of the season. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Ruan’s record

When Waratahs recruit Ruan Smith came on in the 65th minute, he became the first player in history to represent all five Australian Super Rugby sides.

He made his debut with the Force in 2012, made a name for himself at the Brumbies and played three games for the Rebels between two stints at the Reds.

Originally published as Queensland Reds break Waratahs’ hearts in Super Rugby epic