Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs win 37-36 over Highlanders

While all eyes were on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in his hotly anticipated Waratahs debut, it was two unheralded toilers who helped deliver a stunning last-gasp victory over the Highlanders.

If the Waratahs wanted to regain the faith of their fans, they could not have scripted a better start to the new Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Dan McKellar era, with a stunning last-gasp victory over the Highlanders.

While much focus was on Australian rugby’s $5 million man, and the array of new stars in the squad, two unheralded toilers were the architects of the victory with replacement prop Siosifa Amone scoring a try in the final moments, and reserve playmaker Jack Bowen kicking the conversion after the siren for a thrilling 37-36 win in round one of Super Rugby Pacific.

The lead changed a staggering nine times – eight in the second half – as the Highlanders kept hitting back every time the Tahs managed to hit the lead, until the last bell.

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Amone scored two tries in the last 12 minutes of the game.

Suaalii’s hotly anticipated debut was mixed. He dropped some high balls, but made two crucial breaks that led to tries before he gingerly made his way to the sideline in the 67th minute.

The Tahs’ other big signing, Taniela Tupou, completed a solid 56-minute stint that shows good signs over his fitness and effort.

Siosifa Amone celebrates the match winning try during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Highlanders. Picture: Getty Images

After NSW finished with the wooden spoon last year, this was the type of game they would have easily blown in 2024.

But with a renewed vigour, and under the hard taskmaster of McKellar, they showed impressive resilience in their opening match.

McKellar’s imprint was all over the Tahs’ opening try of the second half, a rolling maul special finished by hooker David Porecki.

It was reminiscent of McKellar’s famed tactic at the Brumbies that yielded so many tries for Folau Faingaa.

But then there was the nous.

Setting up for another rolling maul in the 68th minute, the Highlanders defence set up for the drive to0 come, only for the ball to go deftly to Amone who came around the corner and ran free down the short side for a great try.

This was heading for heartbreak when the Highlanders’ Sosefo Kautai scored in the 72nd minute and Cameron Millar converted for a 36-30 lead.

But on Valentines Day, the Tahs gave their long-suffering fans the chocolates with a relentless pick and drive as the seconds counted down.

Suaalii’s hotly anticipated debut was mixed. Picture: Getty Images

Under the posts, they went at the Highlanders again and again, before Amone broke to the right and barged over, leaving the crowd of 16,034 delirious.

The Tahs held a 13-12 lead at the break, having trailed 12-3 until the 33rd minute.

Momentum shifted when Highlanders lock Mitchell Dunshea was sin-binned in the 30th minute for a shoulder-to-the-head tackle on David Porecki, who was cleared of concussion following a medical test.

NSW capitalised with their extra man minutes later when new recruit Rob Leota crossed out wide, making the most of a midfield break and sensational long pass from Tupou to put the backrower over.

The converted try was followed by a blistering break towards the end of the half sparked by Suaalii, who found centre Joey Walton on the inside.

Walton was pulled down just short of the line by winger Caleb Tangitau, who then infringed at the breakdown to be sent to the sin bin, leaving the Highlanders with 13 men.

Edmed kicked the penalty after the halftime hooter to put the Tahs in front for the first time in the game.

Earlier, a Suaalii spill from a Jake Gordon ruck high kick led to the first try of the game. The loose ball was recovered by the Highlanders and flung to Tangitau who raced away to score in the sixth minute.

Edmed had kicked a penalty in the 12th to get the Tahs on the board.

But Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai scored an easy try from the base of the ruck to extend his side’s lead.

Tavatavanawai was exceptional at inside centre. In the first half alone he had a try, crucial turnover win in his own 22, and kicked a 50-22 to earn his team the ball back from a lineout.

In the dramatic second stanza, Suaalii nearly scored his first Super Rugby try, pulled down just short of the line in the 62nd minute, but from the ensuing ruck Max Jorgensen scored in the corner.

It’s early days, but Sydney’s rugby blues of last year were erased by a tenacious team of blue.

Originally published as Super Rugby Pacific: Waratahs win 37-36 over Highlanders