Dan McKellar’s NSW Waratahs side have blown the Queensland Reds out of the park in week two of Super Rugby Pacific pre-season, dominating the Ballymore matchup, 49-19.
Impressive young outside back Sid Harvey was one standout against the Reds, making all six attempts off the tee, while scoring and converting his own try in the 72nd minute to close out proceedings.
Wallabies winger Harry Potter opened the scoring in the second minute, before tries from George Poolman, Teddy Wilson, Clem Halaholo, and Talataina in the first half extended the halftime leading margin to 23 over the Reds.
For the Reds, Richie Asiata, and QLD fullback Jock Campbell hit back during the first half to try and stop the bleeding, with Wallabies first-five Carter Gordon one from two off the tee.
The second half was more scrappy from both teams, but the two tries from Talataina and Harvey were enough for the Waratahs to overcome Les Kiss’ Reds side.
Despite the convincing 30-point victory for McKellar’s side, he told the Waratahs media post-match that the team won’t get too far ahead of themselves.
“We’ve been pretty clear on how we want to play the game and we’ve worked hard on it for three months. The boys went out there and delivered on it today, so I’m really pleased,” McKellar told the Waratahs website.
“Despite the fact we haven’t played, I thought our fitness was really good. You’ve got to have that balance of playing with width, challenging on the edges, but also going through the middle.
“It’s a trial game so we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves, but I’m pleased with collective and individual performances.”
The two Australian franchises will meet each other again in the first week of the Super Rugby Pacific competition on February 13, where Allianz Stadium will play host to the round one matchup.
Unlike the Reds, the Waratahs have one more Super Rugby Pacific pre-season matchup, this time against the Brumbies on Thursday evening in Canberra.