It was ugly, but after nine lean years, New South Wales (NSW) will take it.
The Waratahs registered their first-ever Super 12 rugby win over Queensland on Friday, downing the Reds 27-8 at Aussie Stadium.
The victory assures the Waratahs of a home semifinal, a week before the competition proper comes to its conclusion.
Winger and former Queenslander Peter Hewat, who was targeted as a possible weak link by the Reds before the match, fleshed out an often scrappy win, scoring 22 points for the home side — including a try from a Mat Rogers cross-field kick in the 59th minute.
But it was the forwards who provided the backbone against an understrength and ultimately outclassed Reds side who only had pride to play for on Friday.
Phil Waugh was a constant menace from the flank, his quick work at the breakdown helping the Waratahs to many a penalty, while again the NSW scrum and line-out were rarely troubled.
If the crowd of 38 220 came expecting a repeat of last weekend’s five-try demolition of the Highlanders, they would have left disappointed, the game resembling more the grind between the NSW and Brumbies three weeks ago.
Things started inauspiciously when Julian Huxley — who replaced Elton Flatley at five-eighth for the Reds because of a head knock sustained against the Cats last week — kicked out on the full.
The half-time score of 9-3 in favour of the Waratahs matched the penalty count as the Reds consistently infringed at the breakdown.
There were no tries in the opening 40 minutes, but there was no lack of drama.
Reds fullback Chris Latham was taken from the field in a neck brace in the 31st minute after Rocky Elsom collected the Wallaby incumbent while the flanker was making one of his trademark charges.
Latham later appeared on the sidelines to watch the game in the second half and did not appear in discomfort.
There were other torrid physical clashes, with Reds centre Junior Pelesasa leaving the field midway through the first half for treatment on his bloodied nose, while Waugh smashed Queensland captain John Roe after a poorly judged line-out throw.
Julian Huxley scored a well-constructed consolation try in the 72nd minute after a set piece in their half, but that was as good as it got with replacement Waratahs forward Gareth Hardy returning fire with a five-pointer of his own late in the match. — Sapa-AAP