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In a bizarre night, the Waratahs dominated the first half before they were nullified in the second, ultimately recording a 30-10 win over the Reds.
REPORT: TAHS PUT MORE PRESSURE ON REDS
It was almost as though the Waratahs had an eye towards next week. One positive for the Reds is their scrum looks to be a strength.
The Waratahs will look to refocus next weekend for a trip to Canberra against the Brumbies, while the Reds will return home to face the Force.
Kurtley Beale did well in the flyhalf spot including an awesome try-saving tackle, Israel Folau looks to be over his ankle injury, and Nick Frisby and Karmichael Hunt were solid for the Reds.
Final score
NSW Waratahs 30 defeat Queensland Reds 10
The first Australian rivalry for 2016 is set to be played between the Waratahs and Reds, in what should be an awesome game to kick off the seasons. Join The Roar from 7:40pm (AEDT) for commentary and live updates.
The Waratahs were unable to defend their title last year, as the Highlanders rolled them on their own turf.
The Tahs have won ten of their last 12 matches against fellow Australian teams, and not since Round 5, 2014, have they been beaten by an Australian team that wasn’t the Force (who knew!).
The Reds’ have won four of their last 11 games against Australian opponents, with no losing bonus points given.
You get the feeling Samu Kerevi will need to be at the peak of his powers for the Reds to have any chance tonight.
Or perhaps they could win this game at the lineouts, where they had the highest success rate of any team last year, at 91 per cent.
Israel Folau should have a big impact tonight, as the Wallaby wasn’t at his best during the World Cup. Despite not scoring as often as we may have thought in Super Rugby last year, he still led a ton of stats, making the most carries (231), metres (1677) and offloads (38).
James Slipper is a notable absentee for the Reds, but Eto Nabuli has been named to make his debut on the wing. Jake McIntyre will be the starting flyhalf, with Nick Frisby the scrumhalf in a vastly different pairing to previous seasons.
Kurtley Beale will start at flyhalf for the Waratahs, and former Crusader Zac Guilford starts on the wing as he attempts to rebuild his career. Young David Horwitz starts in the centres, while former NRL winger Reece Robinson will be hoping to get his chance as he starts on the bench.
Prediction
The Waratahs will be too good at home.
Waratahs by 10.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.