The try came during a 10-minute period when prop Paddy Ryan was in the sin bin for a dangerous clean out,but it was the last time the home side scored - until a converted try after full-time. This week it was the Waratahs who changed gears,extending their lead thanks to a converted try to five-eighth Tane Edmed and a further eight points from his boot.

Wallabies captain Michael Hooper starred in his first start after returning from a head knock. Hooper scored a try just before half-time but was lucky to be on the field after surviving a shocking tip tackle from inexperienced No.10 James Gilbert midway through the half.

“I don’t wish that on anyone. These things happen in this game but I was disappointed that it happened to me,” Hooper said. “He (Gilbert) should miss some weeks I think.”

The team flies home to Sydney to prepare for a final fling at Leichhardt Oval,the ground from which they’ve mounted the most satisfying of turnarounds from a winless 2021 season.

The table-topping Blues will be some clash to see out the regular season on,but with a finals berth locked in,Coleman admitted the Waratahs had already outperformed even his expectations.

“I can’t go back and change my story. I thought if we get four or five wins and sneak into the eight,that’ll be a successful season.[The season has] exceeded what I thought,” he said.

Will Harris and Mark Nawaqanitawase also scored for NSW in the first half,and referee Nic Berry controversially overlooked what appeared to be Highlanders back Marty Banks using his leg to prevent Jeremy Williams scoring in the 67th minute.

A last-gasp try to the Highlanders showed the Waratahs are by no means the finished product,but their hunger to compete and consistent ability to win against the odds,will give anyone pause before writing them off as contenders in the knockouts.

Watch every match of theSuper Rugby Pacific on the Home of Rugby,Stan Sport.