It was state versus state, mate versus mate as all hopes for the Waratahs were pinned on new coach Michael Cheika and his ability to return the Tahs to the winning team of old.
But not even a half time reaming could stop them from being a fumbling mess.
From the kick off the Tahs looked strong, creating a turnover off the kick, but that was the last look of brilliance from the team in the first half. After converting a penalty kick, the Tahs did not score a point in the rest of the half.
Within 15 minutes the Reds had scored two converted tries, as well as converting a penalty goal to bring the score 17-3.
Both tries came off Waratahs mistakes, with the first try going to Dom Shipperly after Israel Folau failed to move up in defence and make the tackle.
The second try came to Ben Tapuai, taking an intercept from a Kepu pass and running 40 metres down field to score a try. Yet again another mistake had left the Tahs scrambling.
By the half time siren, the Tahs had squandered several chances, missing two penalty kicks and losing a penalty lineout five metres from the line.
In the final minutes another opportunity was lost after what could be considered a dubious call cost the Tahs their first try of the match.
After a Kane Douglas charge down and chase for the ball against Quade Cooper into the in-goal, the ball came off Douglas’ chest for Tom Carter to run through and ground.
But yet more disappointment for the Waratahs, as the video referee ruled a knock on, ending the first half with them down 17-3.
Following a half time beatdown by Cheika, the Waratahs returned to the field hoping to rectify the first half, but the fumbled balls continued with Tom Carter dropping a pass minutes into the half.
However, only minutes later the Waratahs demonstrated brilliance of old.
In the 48th minute, the Waratahs scored their first try of the match with Israel Folau crossing the line for his first Super Rugby try.
After a great backline movement with the ball making it’s way down the line, a pass ricocheting off Digby Ione’s shoulder was picked up and led to a try.
However, the Waratahs still managed to fumble opportunities after dropping the ball metres from an undefended try line. But only ten minutes later, Volavola managed to make up for his mistake by crossing the line for the Tahs second try.
With Tom Carter’s great decoy play, Volavola was able to score the try and a change of kickers brought the scores level to 17-17 at the 58-minute mark.
Only minutes later the Reds were back in the lead converting a penalty, and then on the 74-minute mark Ben Tapuai scored again to bring the game out of the Waratahs reach, putting the score at 25-17.
With one last move down field the Waratahs were close to scoring some final minute points, but yet again fumbled the ball and lost all chances of bringing the scores closer, losing the match 25-17.
In a match filled with missed opportunities and dropped balls, the Waratahs will need to improve significantly over the week in order to defeat the Rebels at home.
It will be there first home match at Allianz Stadium in Sydney and the crowd will be expecting a win.
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