The NSW Waratahs’ young guns and former captain Michael Hooper have played a major part in the team’s drought-breaking 29-17 Super Rugby win over the Lions in Sydney.
The previously winless Tahs scored five tries to two on Friday night at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium to notch their first victory in six matches and also a first triumph in their past six clashes with the Lions.
The home team made their supporters sweat, however, missing six out of eight shots at goal.
But a 76th-minute try to replacement prop Tetera Faulkner sealed the win after skipper Rob Simmons had left the field with an ankle injury.
Slick handling and astute running lines were a feature of the home team’s much-improved performance after a 0-3 start to their campaign.
Prop Angus Bell, fellow rookie and five-eighth Will Harrison and debutant James Ramm all added youthful zest and purpose.
The ubiquitous Hooper was involved in several tries.
Both teams were down to 14 men at stages in the first half.
Lions lock Ruben Schoeman was given a yellow card after punching Simmons.
Waratahs flanker Lachlan Swinton was given a stint in the bin after a late no-arms tackle on Lions five-eighth Elton Jantjies.
Bell crossed for his first senior try in the fourth minute with a dynamic run to the line after Hooper offloaded in the tackle.
A strong run from the young prop while Schoeman was in the bin led to a fine cut-out pass from Hooper to hooker Robbie Abel who sent Swinton clear.
Jantjes put the Lions on the board with a penalty but the Waratahs were soon rewarded again for their enterprising play.
Centre Karmichael Hunt and winger Jack Maddocks combined to set up a five-pointer for No.8 Jack Dempsey.
Six minutes later, Swinton was binned and it was the Lions’ turn to capitalise on a numerical advantage.
Flanker Marnus Schoeman crashed over from a driving maul from a lineout after the penalty awarded for Swinton’s indiscretion.
Up 19-10 at halftime, the Tahs pulled 15 points ahead with a try to replacement outside back Ramm after a turnover forced by Hooper and featuring some fine touches from Harrison and Kurtley Beale.
Marnus Schoeman strolled over for a second five-pointer to give the Lions a sniff, as they pulled back to within seven points, before Faulkner’s try settled the game.