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Waratahs Secure Pre-Season Victory Over Reds at Ballymore

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Waratahs Secure Dominant 49-19 Victory Over Reds in Ballymore Trial

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Queensland Reds 49-19 in a pre-season trial match held at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This fixture marked a significant return for a Reds-Waratahs pre-season encounter at the venue, being the first since 2005. Attended by 3,218 spectators, the match served as a crucial preparation opportunity for both teams ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season, with Round One scheduled for February 13 in Sydney.

The fixture marked a significant return for a Reds-Waratahs pre-season encounter at the venue, being the first since 2005.

Match Overview and Scoring Breakdown

The trial, broadcast live on Stan Sport, saw the Waratahs establish an early and commanding lead. The final score reflected their strong performance, standing at 49-19 in their favor, with the half-time score already at 35-12.

Scoring Summary:

  • NSW Waratahs (49 points):
    • Tries: Leafi Talataina (2), Harry Potter, George Poolman, Teddy Wilson, Clem Halaholo, Sid Harvey
    • Conversions: Sid Harvey (7)
  • Queensland Reds (19 points):
    • Tries: Jock Campbell, Richie Asiata, Matt Faessler
    • Conversions: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

Key Match Progression and Individual Performances

The Waratahs opened the scoring in the second minute when an intercepted pass led to a 65-meter try by winger Harry Potter, establishing a 7-0 lead. The Reds responded with their first points after a turnover, seeing fullback Jock Campbell cross the line. Hooker Richie Asiata later scored from a rolling maul, but the Waratahs effectively converted their scoring opportunities throughout the first half, building a substantial lead.

In the second half, the Reds displayed increased urgency but also experienced errors, notably conceding two tries from loose passes. Several Reds players delivered notable individual performances:

  • Teenage winger Treyvon Pritchard demonstrated impressive footwork and executed 60-meter clearing kicks.
  • Lock Josh Canham maintained a high work rate over 60 minutes.
  • Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto forced a turnover with a impactful tackle.
  • Replacement hooker Matt Faessler scored a try from a quick tap at full-time.

Coaching Staff Assessment: Reds Head Coach Les Kiss

Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss provided a candid assessment of his team's performance post-match. He acknowledged the Waratahs' dominance in various aspects of play.

Les Kiss stated that the Waratahs "played us off the park in quite a few areas" and that the Reds had "plenty to work on."

Kiss observed that while the Reds' maul showed strength at times, overall execution was poor. He commented that the team "tried to play a bit too cute at times," and also highlighted the Waratahs' early energy as a significant factor.

He indicated that individual positive moments for the Reds did not translate into consistent collective pressure on the Waratahs. Kiss further stressed that certain aspects of play would be unacceptable in Super Rugby, specifically identifying defensive resilience within their own 22 as a critical area requiring immediate attention.

Pre-Match Context and Player Spotlight: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

Ballymore, operating as the BMS National Rugby Training Centre, hosted the match, marking one of its infrequent occasions for Reds senior fixtures. The venue holds significant historical importance for player development within the Reds program.

Queensland Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, a 45-Test Wallaby, has a deep history with Ballymore, having begun his career there in 2016. Now 29, Salakaia-Loto serves as a vital mentor to younger Reds forwards, including Vaiuta Latu and Charlie Brosnan.

Ahead of the trial, Salakaia-Loto expressed enthusiasm for playing at the team's daily training ground before family and friends, citing its rarity and the benefit it provided for season preparation. He had limited Super Rugby Pacific appearances in the previous season due to injuries and aimed for consistent game time, role consistency, and performance improvement in the current season. The trial featured a compelling lock matchup between Queensland's Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham, and NSW Waratahs' Wallabies locks, new captain Matt Philip and Angus Blyth.