The NSW Waratahs have reasserted themselves at the top of the Australian conference heading into the June break with a 52-41 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
Michael Hoopers side broke the club record for the most points scored against Australian opposition in Super Rugby in what was the Waratahs' ninth straight win over the Reds.
Big blue: Waratahs celebrate a try at Suncorp Stadium.
Photo: Dan Peled
NSW opened up a 40-19 lead but the Reds failed to put up the white flag and they would have got even closer had rookie No.10 Hamish Stewart not been so poor with the boot.
There were 93 points scored in this eight tries to seven fixture, which easily surpassed the highest ever aggregate of points between the sides (58) in 2010. It was also the most points ever scored in an Australian derby.
A gallant Rebels victory in Auckland on Saturday afternoon would have spurred the Waratahs on, knowing they were no longer kings of the Australian conference.
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The 11-point victory now puts the Waratahs on 35 competition points, one clear of the Rebels (34) and well ahead of the Brumbies (20) and Reds (19).
"Offensively, [we were] fantastic," Hooper said. "We were pretty much able to walk in some tries out there. On the flip side, the Reds walked some in too.
"So glad we got the win, it was a really good effort. We've put ourselves into a really competitive position at this point in the year and there's three really big games coming up after June."
While this fixture was as much a decades old rivalry between two proud states, it provided a decent form guide for next weekends opening Test given 14 players in the 32-man Wallabies squad were involved.
Lalakai Foketi races away from Queensland defenders.
Photo: Dan Peled
The hearts of Irelands wingers will sink when they see footage of Israel Folau leaping into the air above Reds fullback Jayden Ngamanu before his try on half-time. Provided the Wallabies utilise him correctly, he will be a handful this series.
Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale were their reliable selves and seem to be gelling well. They have played every game together this year which will only be beneficial when they swap a blue jersey for a gold one in a weeks time.
With NSW 18 points ahead, Foley came off with 15 minutes to go in a precautionary decision.
In the tight-five, Taniela Tupou was a standout. He scrummaged tenaciously and scored a try from short range in the 32nd minute.
For the Waratahs, Michael Wells provided solid impact and Jed Holloway made a smooth transition in his first game in the second row.
Reds reserve Caleb Timu also did his chances of a Test debut next week no harm with a pleasing performance.
With Rebels hooker Jordan Uelese succumbing to a knee injury on Saturday, the next cab off the rank surely has to be Damien Fitzpatrick. His overall lineout success rate, mobility, and experience warrants a spot in the Wallabies squad if Uelese is a scratching.
Michael Cheika and his Wallabies coaching staff were keen observers in the stands of Suncorp Stadium a week out from the first Test and when Izaia Perese sprinted to the line and planted the ball down after 64 seconds, it was a salient reminder of what the youngster can do.
The Waratahs hit back almost immediately, with Curtis Rona diving over in the corner and Foleys beautiful conversion from the sideline ensuring scores remained level.
As soon as the Reds edged back ahead, through a crafty Scott Higginbotham at the bottom of a ruck, his opposite number, Wells, crashed over with relative ease.
It was that man Wells who then threw the last pass to Naiyaravoro and what followed was exactly what you'd expect.
With the ball wedged firmly in his left hand, Naiyaravoro bumped off three hapless Reds defenders to plant the ball in the corner and score his 11th try from as many matches this season.
He is by far the unluckiest Australian player in terms of being snubbed for the Test squad.
After passing a HIA test, Naiyaravoro eventually came off in the 49th minute with an injury.
Folaus aerial brilliance and Foleys sharp goal-kicking gave the Waratahs a 28-19 half-time lead.
NSW took their opportunities when they presented themselves. Nick Phipps showed excellent vision to spot a gap down the short side and Folau was no danger of being stopped after a lucky – or unlucky if youre a Reds supporter – bounce ended up in his bread basket.
A whopping eight tries were scored in the second half but the Waratahs always had the Reds at arms length.
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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