The NSW Waratahs have humbled the Queensland Reds 45-12 to breathe fresh life into their Super Rugby AU campaign.
Returning halfback Jake Gordon has jolted the Waratahs out of their winter malaise in a record rout.
Making his first start since pre-coronavirus, Gordon bagged a first-half hat-trick as the Waratahs racked up one of their biggest wins over the Reds in the arch-enemies’ storied 138-year rivalry.
The Waratahs piled on six tries in all, almost every one a gem, to finally breathe some life into their 2020 season.
The 40-point margin was the Waratahs’ largest in a win over the Reds since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, eclipsing their 34-3 triumph in Brisbane in 2014.
The bonus-point victory was also the Tahs’ first of the year over regular Australian Super Rugby opposition, having lost five previous matches against the Reds, Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels.
“We had a week off and we’ve been stewing on that (last-up 29-10) loss to the Rebels for a while and we’re glad to put out a strong performance tonight,” said Waratahs captain Michael Hooper.
The victory propelled NSW above Queensland on the ladder into the all-important third spot in the race to the three-team finals series.
But, perhaps most importantly of all, the Waratahs won in style, thrilling their diehard fans who braved the cold and wet on Saturday night with some breathtaking tries.
There was none better than Gordon’s first in the tenth minute.
Spreading the ball from their own half, exciting young winger James Ramm regained his own chip kick before showing quick hands back inside to Karmichael Hunt, whose brilliant flick pass found Gordon.
Finally free of the nagging hamstring injury that has sidelined him since before the suspension of Super Rugby proper in March, Gordon crossed again in the 17th and 27th minutes.
Alex Newsome and Jack Maddocks added to the point-a-minute blitz with further tries while five-eighth Will Harrison slotted six goals from as many attempts to have the Waratahs home and hosed at 38-0 up before the break.
Not even a halftime deluge could stop the Waratahs’ newfound razzle-dazzle.
When hooker Tom Horton scored in the 52nd minute, the Tahs were leading 45-0 – the exact same scoreline as NSW’s previous biggest win over Queensland back in 1955 at North Sydney Oval.
The Reds finally got on the board when Jack Hardy touched down from a cross-field kick two minutes later, ultimately denying the Waratahs their heaviest win over their fierce rivals in more than a century of clashes.
James O’Connor added Queensland’s second try after the fulltime siren but it was little more than a consolation effort for Brad Thorn’s humbled side.
Scott
Guest
Oh come on man. We have gone backwards every year under him.Thorn cannot coach.He makes Richard Graham look good.ffs :thumbdown:
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Terrible game from the Reds. The Tahs took the missed tackles and penalised the Reds with points. The two second rowers for the Reds were lazy and didn't show enthusiasm. The lineout throws would have had a 4th grade coach shaking his head. The winger for the Reds had a shocker b4 being replaced. Needs to be put out to clubland again. Tate needs to start. McReight needs to start with Scott-Young in the 2nd row. Only three players could hold their head up JOC, Paisami, Wright and Wilson (minus the attempted kick through)
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Ah thanks. Bugger
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
and still does not pass the ball.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Suit yourself. Personally I'd be waiting for a thorough end of season review of the Red's progress, as well as a realistic assessment of whether the Reds are likely to do better under a different coach, rather than hanging everything off one game against a pretty evenly matched opponent.
Charlie Turner
Guest
IP, it's possible they considered all of that and shrugged it off with "fk it, it's only the Tahs".....nekminit.
Jamie
Guest
The 37-16 flogging in 2018 was the second worst Reds game i have seen v The Waratahs. This game topped it easily. The Reds had No passion No Hunger No Desperation No Skill No Mongrel No ideas. Deadset insipid. What does Thorn do during the build up to local derbies? Do the haka in the mirror and boast how good he is on the bench press?. We squeaked home in the first game against the Waratahs, the signs were there. A true Queensland rugby legend needs to tell Brad that a local derby means alot to us Queensland fans.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Apparently both of them are linked to moves
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I'd argue that not being captain allows him to focus on his own game and not get weighed down by additional obligations outside of training and the 80 minutes on the field. Especially after 5 years of doing both.
Scott
Guest
If Thorn loses to the rebels he needs to be shown the door.He promised every red fan so much in 2017 and has delivered nothing in 3 years. Last chance saloon this Saturday for me.
Scott
Guest
Hegarty is a journeyman at best. Thorn has a penchant for journeymen over class.
Flyman
Roar Rookie
I agree with the reffing on the scrums - complete lottery. Absolutely inept is the only way I can describe the Reds - the U-8's that they have at halftime play better than the Reds played. The Reds were so poor on the day that they made the Tahs look brilliant. There we go - rant over, but it will take a long time to forgive that performance.
Flyman
Roar Rookie
The most inept performance I've ever seen from the Reds - they were an absolute rabble. Did someone ration the cordial or what?
jeznez
Roar Guru
That first half on Saturday was a pretty good indication that he might be able to “instill confidence and discipline in the team to make them dangerous” Baby steps though. What I want to see is some consistency and them back it up with a strong showing against the Force.
Gary
Guest
If this isn`t anymore proof that bRad tHorne cannot coach i don't know what it. Another thrashing at the hands of the Tahs. I`ve said many times before that tHorne is an All Black and doesn't care about Queensland Rugby .He has zero skin the game up here.He wanted nothing to do with Queensland Rugby before he conveniently asked to move back to Brisbane to get a job with QLD Rugby.Send him packing back to Christchurch or the Broncos.No wonder Rodda Lucas and Hocking left i`ve had a gutful of him losing players sacking good players and destroying Qld Reds culture. tHorne that game is the most important game of the year.HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TEL,L YOU!!?? You wouldn't know about state passion as you never played a state of the union game being a New Zealander.
soapit
Roar Guru
If you are unconvinced you should continue to hold an alternative opinion
PeterK
Roar Guru
Hardy and Hunter struggled more, Campbell was only on for 18 mins. How can you say it would be better with Hardy when he was all over the place.
Inside Pass
Roar Rookie
Maybe
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
And he likes the physical stuff. He plays above his size - good lineout option and makes defenders miss in tight
Inside Pass
Roar Rookie
Hear you but I think it would have worked better with Hardy. Hunter and Campbell did not have any idea what each other was doing. Look at the replays Peter. I understand and appreciate what’s been said about beat skill level etc. But I suggest that it was more important to keep Campbell at fullback. Don’t have to be right. But it’s a view worth considering. One way or other - the Reds had no excuse. Head space - not skill delivered the outcome