3 minute read
The Waratahs fell short in Christchurch, but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s imminent return could reshape their finals push at just the right time.
The NSW Waratahs left Christchurch empty-handed but not without renewed hope, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's expected return next week offering a timely lift to their Super Rugby Pacific finals push after a 35,20 loss to the Crusaders in an emotional Super Round opener.
The Waratahs twice led in the first half at the newly opened One NZ Stadium and remained within striking distance deep into the contest, closing to within eight points in the final 15 minutes before the Crusaders pulled clear.
The hosts, fuelled by the significance of the occasion in Christchurch, played with notable intensity in the stadium's opening fixture, held 15 years after the devastating earthquake that reshaped the city. Their 35,20 win strengthened their position, while the Waratahs slipped to a 4,5 record, sitting seventh on 19 competition points with five regular-season matches remaining.
For NSW, discipline again proved costly.
Coach Dan McKellar pointed to two yellow cards as pivotal moments in a match where the Waratahs showed enough attacking threat and resilience to suggest a top-six finish remains within reach. Execution, rather than effort, was the issue.
Help is coming.
Suaalii is set to return in Sydney next week against the Western Force after recovering from the serious hamstring injury he suffered in early March. His comeback would provide a major boost in attack and defence, with McKellar highlighting the former NRL star's leadership, physicality and ability to create something different in open space.
His return also shapes as one of next round's headline match-ups, with Western Force recruit Zac Lomax waiting on the other side. Lomax impressed in his starting debut before the Force's bye and now looms as an intriguing opponent in a meeting of two high-profile code converts.
There was further relief for the Waratahs after fullback Max Jorgensen passed his head injury assessment following a high shot from Crusaders captain David Havili, an incident that resulted in a yellow card.
The result hurt. The timing of Suaalii's return could soften the blow.
