NSW lost a tight 40-36 Super Rugby trial match to the Blues, after conceding an injury-time try in Whangarei on Saturday.
Peter Saili scored the winner, prompting a relieved Blues flanker Luke Braid to say it was good sneak home after a first up loss to the Reds.
Braid was impressed with the way the second-half team came back to win after the Waratahs looked to have done enough deep into the fourth quarter.
“It was awesome to watch how they hung in there and fought back over that whole half,” he said.
All eyes were on the second-half appearance of former NRL superstar Israel Folau, who displayed flashes of brilliance with the ball in hand but is still very much a work in progress with a couple of wayward kicks showing his inexperience at this level.
But it was enough to impress Braid.
“He looked awesome,” he siad.
“It’s great for Super Rugby to have guys like that jump across the codes especially if he’s going to get people tuned in and watching.”
After a gritty first spell, the Blues led 12-7 at the break, before the big names joined in after halftime.
After Jed Holloway scored to level things up, Folau ran 20 metres in a well-worked lineout play drawing two tacklers and allowing Tom Kingston an untouched run to the tryline.
The second half see-sawed after that with Kingston scoring again to extend their lead to 24-12 before Blues prop Tim Perry narrowed their advantage.
Folau then scored what could have been a game breaker, beating the fullback effortlessly after Elijah Niko had made the initial break at centre.
Kingston capped off a day to remember, by completing a second-half hat-trick.
The visitors’ defensive lapses, especially a failure to take a kickoff which gifted Waisake Naholo the easiest try he’ll ever score and sparked the Blues comeback, will no doubt be worked on before their final pre-season match against the Crusaders in Sydney next week.
Openside flanker Michael Hooper looked good in his debut match, making up for a missed tackle which led to the Blues opening try with a superb turnover from a Blues defensive ruck eventually leading to fullback Cam Crawford scoring.
Rene Ranger remained at the centre of any Blues backline threat before being replaced at halftime, while Chris Noakes was also good at flyhalf.
atlas
Guest
one of the worst? at season end they had a points differential of +60 the seven teams below them were all in minus figures Hurricanes scored more points than any other team in round robin play - 489 Five other teams had more points scored against them (429) Maybe I'd agree with 'middling' certainly not worst BTW 'worst' would have to be Rebels -158 if PD is he measure
jeznez
Roar Guru
Didn't know Ellison was out but I like Treeby so there is ok cover there. Which 7 is injured? Hardie isn't a super star but the way the Highlanders work as a unit they can cover Thomsons loss better than most other sides would.
Stin
Guest
He's joking! These sites need a bit less ernestness and more sense of humour. I'm going back to green and gold.
Team Taniwha
Guest
The highlanders do look good, but they lack a genuine open-side and have already had 1 of their 7's gone for the season. With no Thompson, I think they will struggle in this area. Nonu hasn't really played any good rugby at super level for years and Ellison is injured till late in the comp.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think the Highlanders look very good - Joseph has worked wonders with the pack. Over the last two seasons despite starting strongly they haven't been able to sustain their efforts. The addition of so many experienced players gives them every chance of sustaining the performance throughout the season and being serious title contenders. It is a bloody good first choice side which would look something like:: Woodcock Hore Mackintosh Bekhuis Thorn Hoeata Hardie Manu Smith Slade Gear Nonu Ellison Poki Smith A bench of King Mitchell or Coltman (I've not seen any of either to make a call) Wheeler (not familiar with him but he is the only other lock in the squad, unless they play Hoeata there and put Paringatai on the bench) Boys Tanaka Sopoanga Popoalii or Treeby (depending on if you want more cover for your outside backs or midfield)
jeznez
Roar Guru
Have the Reds passed their flyhalf curse to the Tahs this year? Barnes, Foley and Lane all injured and little surprise that Horne who was being given a shot at 12 is injured too. Tahs may be forced to start the season with a 10/12 of Volavola and Carter. Lane is gone for the season but hopefully the other three are not seriously hurt, the Tahs have an extra week of trials before we take on the Reds - going to be tough as the Reds will already have a proper match under their belt.
Hightackle
Guest
...at the start of the season, not the end of it.
DHE
Guest
I laughed. You need to chill out buddy, this is the Internet after all.
jameswm
Guest
Dcnz I reckon your boys will go all the way this year. They look so strong on paper.
all7days
Roar Guru
No talk of the Highlanders and they almost have an All Black 1st 15.
all7days
Roar Guru
And One of the worst defensively....
Cruise
Guest
Did I not warn you.
Billy Bob
Guest
High Tackle, a 'joke' is funny. And I don't hear, or read anyone laughing.
mania
Guest
canes are my team but i still cant see them taking this season
Hightackle
Guest
Its gonna be a good year for you Dcnz.
Hightackle
Guest
Kimbell an Australian side is always in the playoffs no matter what becuz of the format and the Reds won the thing with Deans as Wallabies coach so wtf are you talking about?
Hightackle
Guest
They finished on 57 points, 1 point behind the Reds and 2 points behind the Bulls and Sharks. They beat the Chiefs and Saders in their last few games and were the best attacking team in the comp.
Dcnz
Guest
Please stop talking my team up immediately. I know we scored the most conference tries last year and we have Andre Taylor but we are a long way off from being title contenders .. I will take a top four finish thank you and lots of tries ... And everyone take it easy on high tackle .. The poor bloke has to put up with drinking Waikato draught or Monteiths ...
kimbell
Guest
No Australian side will make the finals until robbie deans is gone.
winediamond
Guest
Robert Where is all this canes fever coming from ??? They did not come close to making the semi's. Where is the depth???.