Despite a hopeful start at Allianz Stadium in Sydney the home team’s performance was marred by sloppy handling and a lackluster second half, ultimately sealing their fate with a narrow 23-21 defeat against the Highlanders.
Max Jorgensen’s redemption try brought the score tantalisingly close, only for Tane Edmed’s crucial penalty kick to miss its mark, dashing the Waratahs’ hopes of a last-minute win. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially for Waratahs coach Darren Coleman who expressed his dismay over the missed opportunity to capitalise on home advantage.
The game, filled with intense battles and minimal errors in the first half, took a nosedive post-intermission as both teams struggled with basic mistakes. Waratahs captain Jake Gordon criticised his team’s inability to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half, acknowledging the pressure but admitting the need for sharper execution.
The defeat adds pressure on Coleman, whose future with the team hangs in the balance, and sets a challenging path ahead as they face the Blues next. Despite the setback the Waratahs showed moments of brilliance, highlighted by Jorgensen’s try and the relentless efforts of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton from the Highlanders.
