Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii impresses on debut as Waratahs steal thrilling win

Code-crossing superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has made an impressive debut as the NSW Waratahs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Highlanders.

A rousing last-minute try to replacement prop Siosifa Amone earned the Waratahs a thrilling 37-36 win in a rollercoaster encounter that featured 10 lead changes at Allianz Stadium.

The Tahs had looked gone after the Highlanders hit the front for a fifth time shortly after Amone bagged his first try of a memorable Friday night double in the 66th minute.

But the nuggety front-rower had fans in raptures when he finished off a desperate multi-phase attack seconds before the full-time siren sounded to give last year’s wooden spooners a hard-earned winning start to 2025.

While he was far from his brilliant best, the Waratahs almost certainly would have lost without Suaalii and his series of classy touches.

The prized signing showcased his freakish aerials skills first, then kept the Tahs in the contest with his silky running game.

New coach Dan McKellar was hoping Suaalii could get his hands on the ball as much as possible and, debuting at fullback, the 21-year-old wasted no time making his mark on the match.

He soared high in the second minute to steal a Jake Gordon box kick from the clutches of Highlanders winger Michael Mansen.

Suaalii repeated the effort shortly after, only for his tap-back this time falling straight into the arms of Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie, who promptly sent winger Caleb Tangitau on a virtual free run down the left sideline to open the scoring.

The Waratahs replied with a 10th-minute penalty goal from Tane Edmed, before Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai scurried over from close range to extend the visitors’ lead to 12-3.

The home team finally bagged their opening try of the season 33 minutes into the game following the sin-binning of Highlanders lock Mitchell Dunshea for a shoulder to David Porecki’s head, then some more Suaalii input.

The one-time NSW State of Origin star was taken out of play after his probing chip and chase, and the Waratahs cashed in on the ensuing field position as prop Taniela Tupou, also on debut for NSW, proved the unlikely provider for flanker Rob Leota to touch down out wide.

Suaalii was also instrumental in the home team snatching a 13-12 halftime lead after his 30-metre burst led to centre Joey Walton being pulled down just short of the line.

Referee Angus Gardner nabbed Tangitau for not releasing Walton, yellow-carded the winger and allowed Edmed to boot the penalty in the shadows of halftime.

Despite being down a man, the Highlanders quickly regained the lead with a penalty goal from Sam Gilbert, before Porecki nudged the Tahs back in front with a driving maul try.

Things again looked grim for the hosts when Veveni Lasaqa scored but, again, Suaalii came to the rescue, beating three Highlanders defenders in a dazzling 20-metre run before Max Jorgensen crossed on the next phase.

Suaalii also pulled off a try-saving tackle on Highlanders centre Tanielu Tele’a, but it was Amone who ultimately proved the unlikely hero with his late brace to save the Waratahs’ blushes.