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Bernard Foley pulled the strings and Israel Folau scored twice for the NSW Waratahs in a record 52-41 defeat of Queensland featuring 15 tries.
It was the Waratahs’ highest total against an Australian Super Rugby outfit and the most points scored in any Australian derby.
Saturday night’s Suncorp Stadium win propelled the Waratahs back to the top of the Australian conference, after the Melbourne Rebels had briefly assumed top spot with their upset of the Blues earlier in the day in New Zealand.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was in the stands as 15 Australian squad members pushed their case for a berth next Saturday against Ireland.
Teams traded tries in the first half but the Waratahs shot away early in the second stanza, Folau pouncing on a risky Reds chip and chase for a 40-19 lead with 30 minutes to play.
Tries to Alex Mafi and Wallabies hopeful Caleb Timu, who provided immediate impact off the bench for the Reds, provided hope for the 14,452-strong crowd.
But Hamish Stewart’s wayward kicking (two from seven) didn’t help and Jake Gordon’s 63rd-minute try iced the Waratahs’ win.
The action started with a Scott Higginbotham intercept, the No.8 denying NSW a likely try and creating one for his side when he popped a pass to winger Izaia Perese.
A whirlwind 40 minutes ended with a trademark Folau leap and the game’s seventh try.
In between, Reds big men Higginbotham and Taniela Tupou powered over from close range, while Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyavoro skipped out of three tackles for a five-pointer of his own.
Queensland’s scrum was again dominant and Wallaby Samu Kerevi did his best to set the tone defensively, coming out of the line to put two big hits on his opposite number.
But they were unable to stop the visitors’ steady flow of points, Foley kicking truly (six from seven) and threatening every time he directed play to the Reds’ right flank.
Promoted to the starting side, Reds halfback Moses Sorovi was enterprising and unlucky not to cling onto an offload as the Reds eyed a first-half lead.
Instead Folau’s flying effort gave NSW a 28-19 edge they managed to maintain.
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.