Super Rugby LIVE: Waratahs search for first away win of season against Drua

In case you missed the Waratahs’ last win over the Chiefs

How a halftime spray – and a crazy 120-metre try – helped Tahs secure stirring win over Chiefs

It contained a 120-metre try on the podium for best ever, a star performance from Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and the first organic “New South Wales” chant from a Waratahs crowd in a long, long time.

But the Waratahs’ stirring victory over the Chiefs at Allianz Stadium, which kept the Tahs’ undefeated at home in 2025, was built on the back of a heroic defensive performance, which was powered by an emotional half-time speech from coach Dan McKellar.

Considered rank outsiders against the table-topping Chiefs, who they hadn’t beaten since 2016, the Waratahs tackled themselves to a memorable 21-14 win.

They did it the hard way. After Suaalii had cut open the Chiefs in the first half, and scored his first try in Super Rugby and played a part in the 120m stunner (more on that later), the Waratahs found themselves with a seven-point lead in the last quarter and defending for their lives.

As they copped a credibility-defying hiding from referee Angus Mabey – the final penalty count ended up 18-4 against NSW – the Tahs had to hold firm against waves of Chiefs attack. In the last 15 minutes, the Waratahs made a whopping 89 tackles alone, and after botching a last second lineout that gave the Chiefs the ball, they held firm for an extra five minutes and 28 phases after the siren had sounded.

As the Allianz crowd broke out into a “NSW, NSW” chant, the Tahs defensive wall stayed strong and the hosts avoided a draw and the peril of golden point.

Waratahs players said post-game they’d copped an emotional speech from McKellar at halftime, where the coach had challenged them to ask the question: what does the Waratahs mean to me?

And they answered.

READ THE FULL YARN HERE

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Jack Bowen of the Waratahs celebrate beating the Chiefs. Credit: Getty Images

The teams are in

A few changes for the Waratahs today, with big men Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou all rested after big shifts against the Chiefs last Friday. Leafi Talataina comes into the No.8 jersey, with Langi Gleeson dropping back to the bench. Isaac Kailea will make his starting debut at loose-head prop, while Jamie Adamson moves from No.7 to No.6 to accommodate Charlie Gamble (No.7) coming back into the side after illness.

Waratahs (1–15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataia, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Bench: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell.

Drua (1–15): Peni Ravai, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Moti Kiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isikeli Rabitu

Bench: Zuriel Togiata, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valentini, Inia Tabuavou.

Charlie Gamble is back in action for the Waratahs. Credit: Getty Images

Some key stats before kick-off

Here are some key stats courtesy of the good folk at Opta.

The Waratahs are well ahead in the head-to-head stakes, winning five of six Super Rugby matches against the Drua. All five wins came on home soil and the Tahs scored 35 or more points in four of those clashes.
The last time these teams met at Churchill Park, the Drua pulled off a thrilling 39-36 golden point win after trailing by 16 points at half-time.
The Drua are on a seven-game winning streak at Churchill Park, where they average over four tries per game. It’s become a fortress in recent times.
Despite a strong run against Aussie teams last season, the Drua have now lost four straight Super Rugby matches against Australian sides – including a 52-15 loss to the Western Force in round six, their first time conceding 50+ to an Australian opponent.
The Waratahs have lost their last eight away games in Super Rugby and are in danger of a ninth straight defeat on the road. That hasn’t happened since 1997. In that stretch, they’ve only managed to score 10 first half points once.