Waratahs’ fans have always been loyal and patient, able to cling to the faintest glimmer of hope when all else seemed lost.
Friday’s heart-pounding 43-40 win over the Crusaders, who had lost five in a row this season, was the ultimate reward for their most loyal supporters. Because this was a game I thought I could never win.
Six times the Waratahs were overtaken by the Crusaders, but each time they were driven back.
The decisive moment came at the same time as death. Will Harrison, who had endured two years of gruesome injuries, scored a penalty kick as the siren sounded to take the contest to golden point.
Then the replacement 5/8 once again kept his composure and nailed the winning field goal.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” Harrison said in a sideline interview with Stan.
“I spent a lot of time in my local park dreaming of playing for the Waratahs, taking field goals, penalty goals and penalty shoot-outs.
“I can’t believe I get to go on the big stage tonight and take Trump’s place. “This is crazy.”
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The stunning win came on a night when NSW Rugby honored the 2014 Waratahs team that won their only Super Rugby title 10 years ago, beating the Crusaders.
The latest success has not only given the NSW pack something to celebrate, but also renewed hope that they could make the play-offs if they can pull it off.
“You can’t have that many close games and not end up winning one,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
“I’m really happy for the boys. “The last few weeks have been very difficult and emotionally draining.”
Four of their five straight losses have been by six points or less and Friday’s wild white-knuckle ride seemed to be heading in the same direction every time the Waratahs fought back. Sonny Bill Williams is trying to string together a coherent sentence.
“It feels really good,” Waratahs captain Jake Gordon said.
“I am especially happy with the group and coaching staff. They have all been working harder over the past short period of time.
“We’ve been close for a lot of the game, so to be lucky at the end makes it feel even more special to finish it off.”
Things started badly for them as the first tackle of the game gave away possession and gave Sevu Reece the first try.
But for all their mistakes, the Waratahs never lacked courage. It is not their commitment that disappoints them, but their execution.
They crossed the line a total of four times, with Lachie Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Dylan Pietsch and Julian Heaven all scoring tries, but gave up four attempts, ultimately resulting in a test of nerves that they won.
“I think that feels really good,” Hanigan said.
“We had a couple of really close games and, oh my, once again we got away, but we talked about finishing those moments really well and being patient and we succeeded.”
