The Reds resisted a spirited second-half fightback from the Waratahs to hold on and secure the Bob Templeton Cup in the latest compelling edition of Australian rugby's longest and fiercest interstate rivalry on Friday night.
Waratahs had all the possession early but pushed the pass one on too many occasions. The Waratahs had multiple cracks at the Blues goal-line defence in the first half but couldn’t break through despite the Blues being yellowed carded twice.
The Waratahs responded by marching up the field, and Will Harris barged through the Highlanders defence for a short range try.
The NSW Waratahs have shown they won't just be making up the numbers in the Super Rugby Pacific finals with a rousing 32-20 away win over the Highlanders.
Test stars Michael Hooper and Ned Hanigan are set to line up against the Highlanders on Sunday as the Waratahs look to balance player fatigue with winning momentum ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific finals.
Western Force star Richard Kahui will learn his fate on Tuesday evening when he faces a SANAZAAR judicial committee after receiving a red card last weekend.
Waratahs reserve prop Paddy Ryan was given a red card for a collecting Hurricanes second five eighth Jordie Barrett on the chin during a gang tackle in the 22-18 loss at Leichhardt Oval.
Despite staring own the barrel of a big deficit at halftime, the Hurricanes have scored another win over Australian opposition.
Queensland's game of musical chairs will continue at Eden Park but in James O'Connor's return, the frustrated side is anticipating a much-needed shot of belief.
With two key reinforcements arriving from Japan, the Waratahs say a home final is critical to their Super Rugby Pacific title ambitions.