Nadolo’s late score clinches victory for Waratahs

FORMER Leicester winger Nemani Nadolo scored a late try for Waratahs as they beat bitter rivals

Queensland Reds 33-32 for their first pre-season win of 2023.

The colossal Fijian, who crossed in the 77th minute, said: “We were lucky to get away with a win over the Reds. They are definitely going to be a force this season.”

A Brumbies side laced with Australian internationals made it two wins from two as they beat the

Melbourne Rebels 35-33. Stephen Larkham’s starting XV contained four Australian internationals with fellow Wallabies Pete Samu, James Slipper, Len Ikitau and Cadeyrn Neville all getting valuable minutes off the bench.

Across the Tasman, the Highlanders won the Farmlands pre-season Cup after a stunning 35-33 comeback victory against four-time reigning Super Rugby champions Crusaders in North Otago.

After trailing 26-7 at half-time, 19-year-old hooker Jack Taylor’s sensational chip and chase try with a minute to go completed the comeback.

Crusaders All Black duo Joe Moody and Jack Goodhue both featured and came through their first outing unscathed.

The Blues also kickstarted their 2023 campaign in winning fashion as last year’s finalists beat the Hurricanes 28-21 in Auckland. Hurricanes led 21-14 going into the break before an Alex Hodgman try was followed by fullback Zarn Sullivan’s 78th minute winner.

Rugby league convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was also on the scoresheet and impressed in his first outing since last year’s final.

Meanwhile, five All Blacks featured for the

Chiefs as they thumped

Moana Pasifika 48-7 in the first pre-season game hosted in New Zealand.

Fly-half Damian McKenzie kicked three conversions in his first appearance since returning from Japan. Fellow Kiwi internationals Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Aidan Ross and Luke Jacobson were all in fine form as the Chiefs proved far too strong.