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The NSW Waratahs’ finals hopes are all but over after being overrun by the Queensland Reds on Friday night.
A try to winger Lachie Anderson in the 76th minute off the back of a pin-point kick from Filipo Daugunu proved to be the difference, with the Reds winning 28-21 on a dreary night in Sydney to retain the Bob Templeton Cup.
Making matters worse, Dan McKellar’s Waratahs will be without Wallaby Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for at least a week after the cross-code star was knocked out cold.
Suaalii didn’t move after collecting Andrew Kellaway’s knee. But fears of a major injury were eased when the cross-code star gave a brief thumbs up to the crowd as he made his way off late in the first half.
But his category one concussion means he will miss at least next Friday’s home clash against the Crusaders.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was knocked out during the Waratahs’ narrow loss to the Reds at Allianz Stadium on May 09, 2025. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The loss of Suaalii proved significant.
After leading 14-0 early, two converted tries, including one in the 39th minute, saw the Reds go into the sheds level.
While the Waratahs went ahead 21-14 after Taniela Tupou crashed over from close range in the 51st minute, the out-of-form Wallaby was shown a yellow card in the 68th minute for a high shot on Dre Pakeho.
It proved to be the turning point in the game, with the Reds scoring seconds later as Josh Nasser got on the end of another well formed rolling maul.
Daugunu’s brilliance then freed up Anderson to finish brilliantly out wide in what proved to be the match-winning moment.
The Waratahs had one late chance to push for a match-levelling converted try, but their efforts were thwarted when James Doleman chose not to reward a dominant scrum that clearly should have been awarded a penalty. The decision proved telling, with the Waratahs spilling the ball moments later.
A frustrated McKellar later told reporters he couldn’t comment on the decision, saying “they’re protected species”.
The seven-point win for the Reds saw them consolidate their position in fourth and keep pace with the top three, while the Waratahs remain mathematically a chance to make the top six but will likely have to win at least two of their final three matches to qualify for the knockout matches.
With the Wallabies’ coaching staff watching in the stands, Joe Schmidt will have been pleased with the return to form of Fraser McReight.
The openside flanker had a wonderful ding-dong battle with his counterpart Charlie Gamble, with McReight perhaps just shaving the NSW loose-foward.
After a slow return from a shoulder knock, McReight was everywhere for the Reds as he won turnovers and popped up with the ball on the other side of the NSW defensive line often.
Charlie Gamble had a great battle against Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
He wasn’t alone, with Richie Asiata continuing his brilliant season, while Tate McDermott and Daugunu were both excellent too.
Ultimately the Reds managed to just take enough chances to finish over the top of the Waratahs, who were brave and looked the better side throughout the opening hour.
But in the end the pressure told, with the Waratahs forced to make 205 tackles to 140 after conceding nine linebreaks.
Gamble was the Waratahs’ best, while his back-row partner Langi Gleeson continued his fine season despite an early fumble. Tupou also showed some positive signs before his clumsy high shot.
One Test Wallaby Tane Edmed also had a solid return for the Waratahs.
“I thought out defensive effort was incredible, really courageous and that’s what we asked for,” McKellar said. “But you’ve got to back it up with better execution. They took their couple of opportunities and we didn’t take ours. Some really dumb penalties when we were up by seven that really hurt us.
“So it’s a tough one, it’s incredibly frustrating. I just said to the boys, if we can maintain and bottle that defensive effort and fight for one another and repeat that week after week, we’ll win more games than not.”
Josh Nasser celebrates victory with teammates after Queensland pipped NSW to retain the Bob Templeton Cup. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
McDermott said he was thrilled with his side’s resilience.
“I’m just super proud,” the Reds captain said.
“We knew they’d come out quick, but the resilience to get back in the game, stay in the grind and then push ahead at the end was really impressive. We picked a six-two (bench split) and our reserves came on and really delivered.
“I’m proud of that effort and over the moon.”
After a sloppy start from both sides, the Waratahs were the quickest to adapt to the conditions and raced out to a 14-0 lead after tries to Henry O’Donnell and captain Jake Gordon.
Some brave defence from the Waratahs paid off when Josh Canham was disallowed a try for failing to release the ball in a second effort after 21 minutes.
A late shot from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on Miles Amatosero soon rubbed salt into the wound, but a brilliant turnover from McReight turned the game as Jock Campbell turned the Waratahs around and managed to forced a five-metre scrum for the visitors.
From the scrum, Doleman gave the Reds a free-kick and McDermott was over in a flash to score.
Some more strong defence followed by the Waratahs, but a penalty and the loss of Suaalii saw the Reds kick to the corner. It paid off, as Richie Asiata crossed. Tom Lynagh then converted to level the scores.
A fine piece of work from Darby Lancaster from the kick-off gave the Waratahs a penalty in the seconds before half-time. Looking for a hammer strike, Gordon kicked for touch but the decision backfired as the Waratahs left a kickable three points on the field as they spilt the ball soon after.
A yellow card to Canham for a high shot on Dave Porecki looked like it would be telling, especially when Tupou scoed in the 51st minute.
But the home side couldn’t put the Reds away in the final 20 minutes. It proved telling and ultimately, the visitors might have put the final nail in their coffin this season instead.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.