The Queensland Reds have hung on for an incredible 20-16 win over the NSW Waratahs at Leichhardt Oval.
In a game that had almost everything, the visitors lost Taniela Tupou before the game, compounded when captain Tate McDermott and Angus Scott-Young limped off.
Despite the Waratahs dominating territory and possession, the visitors made use of every visit to the hosts' 22, eventually finding the game-winner through Ryan Smith in the 68th minute.
With Tupou missing, the Waratahs proceeded to dominate possession and territory throughout the game after James O’Connor opened the scoring via the boot.
Whilst the Tahs threw everything at the AU champions, the Reds' defence held strong as the incredible Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott stopped Izaia Perese from close.
The Reds capitalised on the wayward radar of Ben Donaldson early, scoring with their first entry into the 22 as a James O’Connor cross kick found Jordan Petaia under the posts in the 20th minute.
It was all the hosts in the first 40 minutes, eventually finding their way through thanks to breakout star Will Harris, barging over off the back of the scrum.
Brad Thorn’s men received a further setback as captain Tate McDermott limped off with an apparent ankle injury, heading into the break tied at 10-all despite making nearly 100 more tackles than their opposition.
Conditions really seemed to take control of the second half, with both teams making simple mistakes to start off the half.
Dylan Pietsch then made something from nothing, weaving through defenders to create a major opportunity, however, a brilliant cover tackle from Josh Flook shut down the attack.
With both teams traded penalties, it was Donaldson who stepped up with the penalty advantage, slotting a drop goal to give the Waratahs the lead.
As they had the whole game, the Reds somehow found a way back into the contest, defying a bevy of injuries as Ryan Smith barged his way over to give the visitors a four-point lead with 12 minutes remaining.
The Waratahs earned one final chance to attack the Reds line as the replacement front-row that was dominated last week earned two penalties with time ticking down.
In the end, sloppy play from the line out sealed their fate as the Reds hung on for the win.
REDS 20
TRIES: Petaia, Smith
CONS: O'Connor 2/2
PENS: O'Connor 2/2
WARATAHS 16
TRIES: Harris
CONS: Donaldson 1/1
PENS: Donaldson 1/3
DROP GOAL: Donaldson
