Blues set record with remarkable comeback win over Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have been consigned to an unwanted place in the history books with a despairing 35-20 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Blues.

Dan McKellar was unable to hide his frustrations in the NSW coaches’ box as his Waratahs squandered endless first-half try-scoring chances and then blew a 12-point lead in front of equally rueful home fans on Saturday night in Sydney.

A third straight defeat not only sent the Waratahs tumbling out of the top six for the first time this season, but also earned the Blues a record 12th successive win over a Super Rugby rival for the first time in 30 years.

The Waratahs weren’t helped by losing their outside centre with injury just before kick-off for the second time in three matches.

Triston Reilly’s scratching – three weeks after Wallabies superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was struck down with a hamstring tear – forced Lawson Creighton to partner Joey Walton in the midfield at Allianz Stadium.

The reshuffle initially worked a treat, with Jack Debreczeni starting at flyhalf helping the Tahs camp themselves in opposition territory for most of the first half – apart from a second-minute try to Blues No.9 Finlay Christie.

The Blues did brilliantly to survive being a man down for 10 minutes after No.8 Malachi Wrampling-Alec was yellow-carded for a shoulder to the head of Waratahs hooker Ethan Dobbin.

Exciting new fullback Sid Harvey seemed certain to score after accepting a flick pass from Max Jorgensen before the Blues scrambled again to deny the Tahs,  after a Dobbin midfield bust and his surprise chip kick eluded Pete Samu.

After Jake Gordon was miraculously held up over the line, the Waratahs eventually opted for three points through Harvey to finally get on the board.

But the home team continued to pepper the Blues’ line, with winger Harry Potter unable to control a Harvey pass just as he looked certain to score.

Debreczeni then bombed a golden opportunity after reclaiming his own chip kick, only to throw the final pass astray.

Ironically, the Tahs at last scored a try through Debreczeni in the 32nd minute after the TMO let slide what appeared to be a certain knock-on in the lead-up from lock Miles Amatosero.

The TMO also ruled in NSW’s favour when deciding prop Dan Botha had forced the ball after the halftime siren to give the Tahs a 17-8 lead at the break.

Another Debreczeni penalty nudged the hosts 12 points clear early in the second half before the second-placed Blues piled on 27 unanswered points to secure an improbable bonus-point victory.