In a stunning display, the NSW Waratahs triumphed over the Queensland Reds with a score of 49-19 in their first match of the 2026 season at Ballymore Stadium. This pre-season clash showcased the Waratahs' dominance, highlighted by standout performances from number eight Leafi Talataina, who scored a pair of tries, and wing Sidney Harvey, who contributed a remarkable 17 points including a flawless six-for-six kicking performance.
Head coach Dan McKellar expressed his satisfaction with the team’s effort, while also emphasizing that there is still ample room for improvement as the season progresses. "We have had a clear vision of our gameplay and have diligently worked on it for three months. The players executed our plan effectively today, and for that, I am genuinely pleased," McKellar remarked.
He further noted, "Even though this was our first match, I was impressed with our fitness levels. It's crucial to find the right mix between playing wide, challenging defenses on the edges, and also penetrating through the center. While this is just a trial game, we won’t get ahead of ourselves. However, I am happy with both our collective effort and individual performances."
FINAL WHISTLE: The Waratahs secure a convincing 49-19 victory against the Reds at Ballymore Stadium.
Match Highlights:
- 80’ In a dramatic conclusion, the Reds scored during the final play, bringing the score to 49-19, but the match ended there, marking an excellent win for the Waratahs.
- 77’ The Reds nearly executed a thrilling try from deep within their own territory, but they lost control of the ball just before crossing the try line. The Waratahs seemed to be comfortably in control of the match.
- 72’ TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Harvey showcased his speed, scooping up the ball from 65 meters out and racing to score. He successfully converted his own try, extending the Waratahs' lead to 49-12.
- 69’ Substitute Ioane Moananu made a notable impact since joining the match, demonstrating strength and skill with several smart offloads. With around ten minutes remaining, the game was still very much alive.
- 62’ More substitutes entered the fray as the Reds struggled with a forward pass during an attacking scrum at halfway. Would the Waratahs add more points to their tally?
- 59’ The pace of the game slowed slightly as replacements came onto the field. The Waratahs maintained a commanding lead of 30 points, showcasing an impressive performance under McKellar's guidance.
- 48’ ANOTHER INTERCEPT TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Talataina capitalized on the Reds' mistakes, intercepting the ball and sprinting 40 meters for his second try. Bowen added the conversion, making it 42-12.
- 45’ The Reds faltered, committing errors in their play. A tackle off the ball led to a penalty for the Waratahs, allowing replacement Jack Bowen to find excellent touch and set up an attacking lineout deep in the Reds’ territory.
- 43’ An offside call against the Waratahs granted the Reds a penalty near the halfway, leading to a defensive lineout for the visitors.
- 41’ The second half kicked off in Brisbane. What would these next 40 minutes reveal?
HALF-TIME AT BALLYMORE: THE WARATAHS HOLD A 23-POINT ADVANTAGE!
- 39’ TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Another powerful driving maul saw Clem Haloholo score, with Harvey once again converting, raising the score to 35-12.
- 35’ The Reds responded with a try, as hooker Richie Asiata dove over from a driving maul. However, Gordon missed the conversion, leaving the Waratahs ahead by 16 points at 28-12.
- 28’ ANOTHER TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Following patient build-up play and a brilliant line break by Lawson Creighton, the team recycled the ball expertly. Potter found Walton, who set up Teddy Wilson to score. Harvey made the conversion, pushing the score to 28-7.
- 22’ TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Centre George Poolman marked his debut with a try after a well-executed grubber kick from Joey Walton. Harvey continued his perfect day at the tee, making it 21-7.
- 19’ The Waratahs' scrum won a crucial penalty just five meters from their line. James Hendren cleared the danger, allowing them to breathe easier after a tense defensive phase.
- 17’ The Reds almost crossed for another try, but Carter Gordon's cross-kick fell just short, unable to find his winger's hands.
- 13’ The Reds answered back with a try from fullback Jock Campbell, who demonstrated impressive speed to score after receiving the ball in space. Gordon converted, narrowing the deficit to seven points.
- 10’ TRY! A brilliantly orchestrated play from the Waratahs saw Potter execute an outside step followed by a slick offload to Talataina, who scored, putting the Waratahs ahead 14-0.
- 8’ The Tahs applied pressure near the Reds' line but were penalized and the Reds cleared their lines, although the Waratahs would retain possession shortly.
- 2’ TRY FOR THE WARATAHS! Wallabies wing Harry Potter made an immediate impact in his debut, intercepting a pass from 65 meters out and racing to score. What an incredible start! Sid Harvey added the conversion for a quick 7-0 lead!
- 1’ The match is underway at Ballymore, with the Waratahs receiving the kick-off!
Team Lineups:
Queensland Reds (1-15): Aidan Ross, Richie Asiata, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight (c), Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Xavier Rubens, Dre Pakeho, Isaac Henry, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Josh Flook, Massimo De Lutiis, Vaiuta Latu, Charlie Brosnan, Hunter Paisami, Nick Conway, Tom Robinson, Lachie Anderson.
NSW Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Sid Harvey, Joey Walton, George Poolman, Harry Potter, James Hendren.
Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Isaac Kailea, Brady Dawson, Ben Grant, Lachie Hooper, Michael McDonald, Jack Bowen, Archie Saunders, Joey Fowler, Leo Jaques, Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Siosifa Amone, Charlie Gamble, Isaac Fonua.
