Super Rugby 2025 LIVE: Waratahs face table-topping Chiefs in Sydney blockbuster

This game is up for grabs

Dobbins smashes a Chiefs defender, so much so the ball comes loose.

Then Teddy Wilson kicks ahead and it finds touch. He’s arguing for a 50-22. And it is. Great eyes up footy from the NSW halfback who is having a blinder.

Just as the Waratahs get close to the Chiefs’ line, Luke Jacobson wins a turnover penalty. Andrew Kellaway misses his cleanout. Got a little tripped up there but it’s another lesson in protecting the ball at all costs.

0-0 after 17 minutes

Waratahs try disallowed

The Chiefs are really getting into their work. They’re building phases nicely and getting over the advantage line with ease.

Waratahs hooker Ethan Dobbins gets an important turnover penalty with the Waratahs camped in their own 22. Big pats on the back from teammates.

BANG. The Waratahs are on the board through Teddy Wilson.

Big carries and quick passing tees the Waratahs penetrate the Chiefs’ 22-metre line. Wilson dives over after a couple of involvements from Suaalii. Great attacking play.

Hold on … there was a knock-on in the lead-up from Joey Walton. Clear as day. How did the refs miss that? Play goes back a long way.

0-0 after 10 minutes

Teddy Wilson of the Waratahs is tackled. Credit: Getty Images

Suaalii throws a forward pass

Joey Walton takes the first carry for NSW back in the No.12 jersey.

Three kicks inside the first 90 seconds from the Chiefs.

Whoops. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii floats a pass well forward as the Waratahs spread the ball from left to right. Not ideal.

NSW halfback Teddy Wilson is busy early.

0-0 after three minutes

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action. Credit: Getty Images

We’re almost under way in Sydney

Teams are ready to go. I expect there to be a bit of spice in this one.

Some of the Tahs boys aren’t the biggest fan of Chiefs No.12 Quinn Tupaea. One for another day. The NSW boys have long memories.

My tip: Chiefs by nine points. NSW might come up with an early try but the Chiefs will power away.

Angus Bell leads the Waratahs out in his 50th Super Rugby match, having debuted as an 19-year-old in 2020 against the Crusaders across the ditch.

Head coach of the Waratahs Dan McKellar. Credit: Getty Images

Horan: ‘Tupou has agreed to a deal with a French club’

Wallabies great Tim Horan has dropped a bomb on the Stan Sport coverage.

Says he’s heard NSW and Wallabies Taniela Tupou has agreed to a deal to play in France, which would see him leave the Waratahs and Australian rugby at the end of the year. He is only signed for 2025.

Could be a huge yarn. Unconfirmed whispers of Perpignan. We’ll do some digging.

The Waratahs face two problems tonight

By Iain Payten

Number one: they meet the powerhouse Chiefs, who are a seriously good rugby side and after six wins and one defeat, sit at the top of the ladder for a reason. They’ve sent over a full-strength team, too. There was no resting of stars tonight from coach Clayton McMillan, so the Tahs can take some solace from that.

The second issue? Sydney hasn’t been much of a fortress for the Waratahs over the last decade – they’ve won only 43 per cent of their games at a range of home venues.

This year it’s been a rare 100 per cent record. The Tahs do have a habit of pulling out a barnstormer when you least expect.

The key points before kick-off

Waratahs

6th on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with 17 points
Coming off back-to-back losses to the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika
Undefeated at home this season (4-0)
Angus Bell to play his 50th Super Rugby match
Jamie Adamson named for his first start at No.7
Joey Walton returns at inside centre; Lalakai Foketi shifts to outside-centre

Chiefs

Top of the ladder on 26 points
Won six of their seven matches so far
Only loss came against the Fijian Drua
Have won their past eight matches against the Waratahs. NSW last beat the Chiefs in 2016 (45-25)
Leading the competition in lineout success and scrum win rate

Chiefs players inspect the pitch at Allianz Stadium. Credit: Getty Images

Can the Waratahs cause an upset?

Hello and welcome

G’day rugby fans.

Welcome to our live coverage of the Waratahs and the Chiefs tonight.

The Tahs host the (Waikato) Chiefs in a crunch Super Rugby Pacific clash at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Kick-off is at 7:35pm AEST. Should be a beauty.

It’s Tom Decent here in the Coogee bureau, fresh off a Masters blog this morning. We’ve got the great Iain Payten on deck at Allianz Stadium ready to bring you all the latest.

Stay tuned.