The NSW Waratahs have run out 24-14 winners against the Brumbies in their opening trial match of 2022.
Despite a severe weather warning and persistent showers, a healthy crowd turned out to watch the double header at the beautiful Bowral Blacks Rugby club.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman used the trial to give his squad plenty of game time in the three 30-minute periods match, with 39 players in total used, allowing the wider squad to press their case ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby season.
The opening 30-minute period tested both teams handling, with the wet conditions putting both sides under pressure throughout the half.
The Brumbies opened the scoring in the third minute, with Brumbies skipper for the day Ryan Lonergan capitalising on some poor Waratahs handling trying to exit their own 22, scooping up a loose ball and scoring under the sticks.
Lalakai Foketi hit back for the Waratahs shortly after, with the Wallabies centre taking advantage of some front foot ball off the back of an attacking scrum in the Brumbies 22, barging over his opposite. Ben Donaldson missed the conversion to leave the scores 7-5 at the end of the first period.
Both teams rung the changes midway through second period, but it was the Waratahs who dominated the middle of the game, outscoring their opponents two tries to nil for a 17-7 lead.
Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson scored a brilliant solo try with a slicing run through the mid field, while Waratahs winger James Turner scored the try of the day with an incredible acrobatic finish in the corner which will no doubt be in the running for try of the season.
The third period turned into arm-wrestle with both sides defending desperately in the difficult conditions.
Brumbies replacement scrumhalf Lachy Albert sniped from close range after a strong Chris Feauai-Sautia run to close the gap to 17-14 before James Turner iced the game for the home side scoring his second try of the match, leaving the scores 24-14.
Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was thrilled with the resolve of his side.
“We’ve spoken a lot about being Tah tough and that’s exactly what we were tonight,” Coleman said.
“I thought we defended our try-line with passion and vigor, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort the boys put in tonight.
“I’m really pleased for the boys that played all last year without a win to get that winning feeling back.”
The Waratahs head to Eric Tweedale Stadium on Saturday 5 February for their next trial match against the Western Sydney Two Blues, West Harbour and the Hunter Wildfires.
