Western Force flyhalf Domingo Miotti has broken the hearts of Waratahs fans, slotting an 85th-minute penalty to seal a 31-30 win at HBF Park.
Stepping up in his first start, Waratahs flyhalf Ben Donaldson looked to have guided the visitors to their first win of the season.
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However, the Force refused to give up, snatching a late line-out with just seconds remaining.
After 20 phases, the Tahs would give up a penalty in front, allow Miotti and the Force to escape with victory.
With the Waratahs looking to keep their slim finals hopes alive, they had a nightmare start to the game after the returning Lachie Swinton was yellow-carded for a lifting tackle.
The Force would take advantage of the numbers advantage, throwing the ball around as they opened up the defence.
It would be former Tah Tom Robertson that eventually crossed after just four minutes.
With flyhalf Domingo Miotti slotting a penalty minutes later to take their lead to 10-0, the Force would continue to control possession and territory with Swinton in the bin.
However, the Waratahs would hit back, earning a scrum penalty on their opposition’s 5-metre line before Will Harris barged over.
Ben Donaldson would then pull a trick out of the bag, converting with a drop kick after having issues with a faulty tee. He would then kick a penalty to level the scores at 10-all.
Whilst lock Jeremy Thursh thought he had hit back for the Force seconds later, it would be Feleti Kaitu’u that darted over, splitting from the side of the maul and running 30 metres to score.
Miotti would then slot a drop goal just before the break as the Force took a 18-10 lead into the half-time break.
Whatever Jason Gilmore and Chris Whittaker said at the break seemed to fire the Waratahs up.
They would run riot after the break, throwing the ball around at will as fullback Jack Maddocks came alive.
Maddocks would finish off a series of nice phases for a try before breaking the Force open minutes later as he put Alex Newsome in for a try, giving them a 24-18 lead.
As both teams looked to gain ascendency, the Waratahs earn a penalty after catching the Force off-side, with Donaldson nailing the shot.
Donaldson would continue to control the game for the visitors, slotting another penalty minutes later as they took a 30-21 lead after 70 minutes.
However, the Force refused to die and a try to English import Jordan Olowofela brought them within two points to set up a grandstand finish.
As the Force peppered the Waratahs line, their defence would hold strong, putting them into touch.
NSW looked to have the game wrapped up. All they needed to do was take the line-out and kick the ball into touch.
However, the ball was overthrown, with the Force earning a penalty 20 phases later.
The rest is history, as Miotti sealed the win and kept their finals dream alive.
FORCE 31
TRIES: Kaitu'u, Olowofela, Robertson
CONS: Miotti 2
PENS: Miotti 2
DGs: Miotti
WARATAHS 30
TRIES: Maddocks, Harris, Newsome
CONS: Donaldson 3
PENS: Donaldson 3
