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This was published 4 months ago

‘Unique talent’: Jorgensen magic hailed as Waratahs post first-up win

Iain Payten
Updated ,first published
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Key Posts

Defensive grit - and Reds’ woeful discipline - secures bonus point win for NSW
FULL TIME: Waratahs 36 Reds 12
One last try for Wilson and that’s all she wrote
Try no.2 for Jorgensen after Gamble pays off
They finally crack it … Waratahs try
Another ten minutes of sloppiness from Waratahs
Frenetic pace and subs are now coming on
Back under way

‘Unique talent’: Jorgensen magic hailed as Waratahs post first-up win

By Iain Payten

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar lauded Max Jorgensen’s ability to draw a big crowd - and then get them on the feet - after the star turned on some magic in an opening win over Queensland, and helped the Tahs successfully tap into their history as an attacking outfit.

Jorgensen’s two tries were crucial in not only helping the Waratahs overcome a rusty performance and secure a bonus point win against their arch-rivals.

Max Jorgensen scores his second try.Getty Images

The second try, while was crucial to the result, was mostly down to the super lead-up play by Charlie Gamble. But Jorgensen’s first was straight from the top-shelf, after some nice offloading from Joey Walton and Jimmy Hendren set the left-winger free and with a one-on-one with Reds fullback Jock Campbell.

Jorgensen stepped away, and then in again, as if he was on rails, and Campbell had no hope. The winger then sprinted away from the cover defence, making it a 70-metre try.

Defensive grit - and Reds’ woeful discipline - secures bonus point win for NSW

By Iain Payten

Two more highlight-reel tries from Max Jorgensen have helped the Waratahs secure a 36-12 win over the Reds on a sweaty opening night at Allianz Stadium.

The Tahs posted a first-up win at home for a second straight year after surging home with three tries in the last quarter, securing a bonus point and ending hopes of a Queensland upset win in Sydney.

Jorgensen turned on the magic to score one try in each half; the first with a 70-metre solo effort, and the second sealing the win in the last ten minutes, following outstanding work from Charlie Gamble on a crosskick.

The game was poised evenly until the last 15 minutes, with the sloppy Waratahs only leading 17-12, despite dominating territory and possession.

FULL TIME: Waratahs 36 Reds 12

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There’s the final siren. FULL TIME: Waratahs 36 Reds 12

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One last try for Wilson and that’s all she wrote

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Time for one last try to Teddy Wilson, who poked his head out a ruck on the Reds line and put the ball down. Easy as you like.

The Reds have shot themselves in the feet tonight, with a bazooka. They’ve conceded a staggering 16 penalties, to the Waratahs’ tally of seven.

78 mins: Waratahs 36 Reds 12

Try no.2 for Jorgensen after Gamble pays off

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Okay, now the Tahs have found some late juice.

Jorgensen went roaming off his left wing and scored a second on the right hand side of the field, but it was all down to the brilliant work of flanker Charlie Gamble.

The indefatigable flanker - who has been immense all night - was on the right sideline and received a crosskick from Jack Debreczeni. He collected it above his head and somehow stayed in, before being tackled. The flanker popped a pass off the ground to a surging Jorgensen in support.

72 mins: Waratahs 31 Reds 12.

They finally crack it … Waratahs try

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It’s taken some time but NSW have finally scored another try. No, it wasn’t Jorgensen. This one was scored by reserve prop Isaac Kailea, who burrowed under some Reds defenders near the line.

After yet another Reds penalty, the Waratahs turned down an easy three points to go up by eight, and it paid off.

They might have been lucky though, with Joseph-Aukuso Sualli looking a little like he ran an obstruction in the lead up.

68 mins: Waratahs 24 Reds 12

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Jorgensen catching a cold

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The Waratahs are intent on not running the ball from their side of halfway, and are kicking away most of the ball.

But that means Max Jorgensen has barely been seen, let alone used in counter-attack. Might be worth running one. Guy can play a bit.

Another ten minutes of sloppiness from Waratahs

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Wilson made an impact, alright. He pinched the ball and toed it upfield, and won a penalty in the ensuing race with Fraser McReight. But despite a glut of possesion in the Reds quarter, the Waratahs’ attack has misfired repeatedly, with dropped balls and poor option taking.

Queensland survived and escaped.

The Reds are setting up to sweep home. You can sense it.

Crowd number is 16,655.

Frenetic pace and subs are now coming on

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It’s been a helter-skelter pace in this second half, with very few stoppages. It’s a warm night, too. So at the 50 minute mark, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has made multiple changes, bringing on most of his bench forwards.

Teddy Wilson has also replaced Jake Gordon. Wilson’s sniping could be a decisive factor in this game. These fellas are all tired.

50 mins: Waratahs 17 Reds 12

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Back under way

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We’ve resumed here at Allianz Stadium but the Waratahs have picked up where they left off.

Some strong defence, but bookended with pretty slopping handling and aimless kicking.

It’s not a classic so far.

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