The NSW Waratahs launched a valiant rally but couldn't find a way home as they went down 31-26 to the Highlanders.
The Waratahs left too much to chase after trailing by 21 early in the first half, leaving their finals hopes in tatters
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So what did we learn?
The Waratahs need a miracle to be playing finals in 2026.
They once again found themselves their worst enemy as they gave away penalties and missed too many tackles in defence early on
They had 30 minutes to work with additional numbers; however, they couldn't reel in the hosts, with several denied tries during Jona Nareki’s red card summing up their night.
It’s tough for a Waratahs team that entered with so much potential, but never really found the consistency you need to be a top six side.
They face a tough run home, taking on the Fijian Drua and Western Force away from home, along with the ACT Brumbies at home.
Caleb Tangitau is making a case too hard to ignore to start for the All Blacks in the Nations Championship.
The winger blew away the Waratahs in the first half, creating the first two tries of the game.
The pick was a special solo effort that saw the speedstar break four tackles and sprint away to leave Forsyth Barr Stadium in awe as he made 10 tackle busts in the first half.
Tangitau has been around the All Blacks set-up before, featuring for their ‘A’ side, but has earned his debut in July.
The Waratahs intended to come out and attack the Highlanders but they are rocked early by a deadly triple strike.
It was almost like a bad dream happening in real life as the visitors couldn’t do anything right.
They missed 11 tackles in the first 12 minutes and conceded three penalties as they had little answer to their red-hot attack.
The Waratahs rallied but found themselves 21-0 down before they managed to fire a shot, which ultimately proved a step too far despite a valiant attempt.
The Highlanders absolutely have the team that can make a late top-six push should the finals-bound teams slip up.
Their scrum is a buzz-saw, ripping through the Waratahs in the first half, setting the platform for their explosive backline.
Tangitau had plenty of support from the likes of Jonah Lowe and Jona Nareki, causing plenty of headaches despite Nareki's late red card.
They have two tough matches to finish the year against the Chiefs and Hurricanes, but they absolutely can end these sides’ minor premiership hopes and boost their own finals aspirations.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii benefited massively from his second hit-out as he looked the damaging runner that fans had seen in 2025.
His start was slow after missing a pair of tackles in Jonah Lowe’s opening try but he more than made up for it.
Suaalii had the Highlanders second-guessing all day, with his carries constantly getting the Waratahs on the attack.
His try in the second half was a perfect show of his deft footwork and unreal strength on a tough night for the visitors.
