Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's Super Rugby debut with the Waratahs was a nail-biter, with the team ultimately securing a one-point victory over the Highlanders in a hard-fought match. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows and showcasing impressive displays of skill and determination.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's international debut in England was a spectacle, and his Super Rugby return on Valentine's Day was just as thrilling, with the Waratahs edging out the Highlanders by a single point. An hour before the game, Suaalii sat barefoot beneath the crossbar, absorbing the atmosphere. Allianz Stadium was familiar territory for Suaalii, having played there numerous times with the Roosters, but the weight of expectation for his first game with the Waratahs was significantly higher.
The Waratahs were eager to utilize their star recruit at every opportunity, frequently launching aerial attacks, a tactic that had proven successful for the Wallabies. Suaalii's first touch was a breathtaking catch from a box kick, but the Waratahs' attempts to repeat the trick lacked the same success.Waratahs coach Dan McKellar had predicted a far from perfect performance beforehand, and his assessment proved accurate. His team struggled to find cohesion on the field in the early stages. The Highlanders were determined to spoil Suaalii's homecoming and succeeded within five minutes when winger Caleb Tangitau scored a brilliant try, easily outrunning Andrew Kellaway. Centre Timoci Tavatavanawai followed up with the Highlanders' second try, capitalizing on sustained pressure. The Waratahs gradually clawed their way back into the game through two penalties from five-eighth Tane Edmed and a well-executed try by debutant Rob Leota, giving them a 13-12 lead. The Waratahs also benefited from the Highlanders' disciplinary lapses, as the New Zealanders lost try-scorer Tangitau and Mitchell Dunshea in the first half. David Porecki, returning to the Waratahs after missing the entire previous season due to injury, scored a try from a rolling maul. The Highlanders had spent much of the game with a depleted lineup due to yellow cards, and once they regained their full complement, Veveni Lasaqa powered over to reclaim the lead. After a dummy from Suaalii, who was stopped just short of the line, the impressive Max Jorgensen crossed in the corner, providing a strong response from the Waratahs. Almost immediately, the Highlanders retaliated with a quick lineout that caught the Waratahs completely off guard, allowing Tangitau to score his second try of the night.The Waratahs regained the lead after replacement tighthead prop Siosifa Amone crashed through following a well-executed lineout move. A converted try by the Highlanders' Sefo Kautai gave the visitors a six-point advantage with seven minutes remaining. With two minutes on the clock, Amone thundered over for his second try, and Bowen kicked the conversion, securing a one-point victory for the Waratahs. Last year, the Highlanders shattered the Waratahs' hearts with a 21-23 win, with Tane Edmed missing a crucial kick after the final whistle. This time, the Waratahs held their nerve when it mattered most. The only way is up
SUPER RUGBY WARATAHS HIGHLANDERS JOSEPH-AUKUSO SUAALII VALENTINE's DAY
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Waratahs Seek Cohesion and Confidence Before Super Rugby StartThe New South Wales Waratahs are aiming to bounce back from last year's dismal campaign with a star-studded roster and a new coach, Dan McKellar. Their final trial against the Brumbies on Saturday will be a crucial test as they look to find cohesion and build momentum before their opening Super Rugby game against the Highlanders. The team features several Wallabies, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii making his debut at fullback. The Waratahs will hope to avoid the early-season setbacks that plagued them last year and establish a strong foundation for a successful campaign.
Read more »
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii handed licence to thrill for Waratahs in Super Rugby PacificJoseph-Aukuso Suaalii has declared himself a certain starter for Super Rugby Pacific's first round and revealed he has been handed a licence to thrill for the NSW Waratahs in 2025.
Read more »
Why Waratahs will start the Super Rugby season on the back footNSW start their 2025 campaign this Friday, but will they be ready for the challenge?
Read more »
Suaalii expected to face Highlanders despite missing Waratahs trialThe Waratahs expect Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii to be fully fit to face the Highlanders in round one after the star recruit missed Saturday’s trial against the Brumbies in Bowral.
Read more »
Super Rugby Pacific Kicks Off Amid Wallabies Coaching SpeculationThe start of the Super Rugby Pacific season is upon us, with the Waratahs facing Highlanders in their opening match. The article discusses the Waratahs' lack of preparation due to the Reds' European tour, highlights the Highlanders' performance in their preseason match against the Crusaders, and delves into the distractions caused by the ongoing Wallabies coaching search.
Read more »
Can Suaalii take the Waratahs from wooden-spooners to Super contenders?They have a new star-studded squad, a new coach and new set of expectations. Can the Waratahs live up to the hype?
Read more »