The NSW Waratahs were really challenged by both the Fijian Drua and their own lapses before finding the answers in a key clash.
This was a must-win to get their season rolling and the confidence from the 46-17 victory in Super Round Melbourne will be a relief to all concerned.
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What did we learn?
1 GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
Langi Gleeson showed exactly why he’ll be the starting No.8 for the Waratahs for the rest of the season after the odd call to play Charlie Gamble there in Round One.
Gleeson’s 10 carries for 71m were invariably into the teeth of some huge tackles from the Fijians.
His pop over the top to put Ben Donaldson over for a try to get to 17-all and his own powerful reach for the line for another were at key moments when the match was being decided in the 20 minutes to open the second half.
He’s growing into that Wallaby call-up of late last year.
He also has the hands that backrow teammate Lachie Swinton still can’t always find with the ball.
2 GENERALS STAND UP, PLEASE
The Waratahs had to re-examine their focus when 10-all at half-time and down 17-10 shortly after.
The Tahs might have wanted to drill the Fijians at set piece in the first half but it was all a bit ragged. It took until the final 30 or so minutes to really knuckle down to that.
The Donaldson try to draw level at 17-all was a beauty that started from a nice play with halfback Jake Gordon looping around flyhalf Tane Edmed.
Gordon showed far greater direction in the second half. Edmed’s two touches in that try were progress too. Edmed did have to stand up in the second half in an awkward game with plenty of Fijian heat flying at him.
3 AMBUSH TIME
The Waratahs avoided an ambush but pity the Melbourne Rebels heading to Suva in Round Six.
The Fijians commanded most of the crowd support in Melbourne but it will be next level with a full house in Suva for what could be the April Fool’s Day massacre.
The Drua are far fitter and better than 2022 and upsets are coming.
The Queensland Reds also have that daunting trip ahead in Round 15 on June 3.
4 PERESE BACK IN THE SWING
The 80-minute performance from centre Izaia Perese was invaluable to get him back in the groove after his injury issues.
He ran strongly and looked for work. He flicked one of his trademark backhand passes and actually threw a quick, neat traditional pass which should always be in his armoury more often.
5 BENCH LIFT
The Waratahs got a real surge with the performances from the bench in the second half.
A neat offload from lock Taleni Seu, former Wallaby hooker Tolu Latu’s power surges without a hint of a yellow card and backrower Will Harris getting involved were three strong contributions.
Two fresh careers were launched too with quicksilver back Ben Dowling and prop Dan Botha.
