The NSW Waratahs have ended a 13-game losing streak against the ACT Brumbies with a gutsy 28-23 win in Sydney.
The Waratahs caught the Brumbies on the back foot early and held on for a crucial victory in front of 20,572.
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So what did we learn?
The Waratahs, during the week, copped a lot of clapback for letting a 25 metre maul try last week during their game as part of their 20-point loss against the Queensland Reds.
This week, the practice showed because they were able to stop the Brumbies this week from getting a try at a 5m maul on most occasions to sum up a much improved defensive performance.
In the Waratahs' first four entries onto the Brumbies 22, they scored three tries.
This is the best the Waratahs have looked all year, utilising the skill with a team full of Wallabies.
The Brumbies felt the pressure away from home, because despite entering the game ahead of the Waratahs on the ladder, they got jumped by the Waratahs in the upset.
In the first half, the Brumbies had seven turnovers, two of which the Waratahs scored a try-off.
The Brumbies were motivated to continue their 13-game winning streak over the Waratahs but are left disappointed after the defeat to their biggest rivals.
Triston Reilly spent the night giving it his all, being in the right places at the right times.
Between killing the Brumbies' try-scoring threats, creating a try out of nothing and a line break, he has majorly contributed to the win for the Waratahs tonight.
Reilly’s fellow wing partner, Max Jorgensen, was also a standout player this week, following his last home game brilliance.
He assisted Walton’s try towards the end of the game, saving the ball that was about to be cover covered by the Brumbies with an excellent grubber.
Brumbies' head coach Stephen Larkham halftime chat must have been motivating because they came into the second half with the ambition to win.
The Brumbies scored 17 points in the second half and it looked like a completely different game.
The game may have had a different ending if the conversions were more successful, with both kickers missing key kicks.
But they get the chance to bounce back against the Highlanders.
The second half of the game was flippin’ crazy as Tom Hooper demonstrated his UFC skills by flipping Dan Botha, resulting in a yellow card.
Questions must be asked, what was he thinking?
This was the second yellow card of the game and the Brumbies, Billy Pollard also earnt a yellow card in the first half for a high tackle against Langi Gleeson.
It cost them.
