Waratahs come from behind to behind Western Force 23-14

Waratahs 23-14 Force, Sydney
Scorecard

Waratahs made a terrific second half comeback as they came from behind to beat Western Force 23-14 in the second round of Super Rugby AU.

This was Force's comeback game after they were axed from Super Rugby competition in 2017 and they controlled the early exchanges before Ian Prior kicked a 14th minute penalty to get them off the mark.

The opening try of the game came around the half hour mark when Henry Stowers raced on the right before sending Byron Ralston over the line. Prior missed out on the conversion but kicked back to back penalties to take them to a 0-14 lead.

The response from Waratahs finally came at the stroke of half-time when Gus Bell touched down and Will Harrison improved it to reduce their deficit to seven points heading into the break.

Harrison reduced the gap to four points with Harrison kicking a penalty early in the second half and they went on to claim the lead for the first time in the game when Tom Staniforth dotted down with a penalty and a conversion from Harrison on either side making the scoreline 20-14.

Force were desperate for breakthroughs but it did not come as Harrison with another penalty kick in the 74th minute ensured the home side completed a nine point victory.

Waratahs now have a win and a defeat in the two games as they are at third place in the table while Force are at the last after losing their opening game.