Men’s 1st Grade Match Report Wagga Waratahs Home Ground, May 2025

Despite a heroic hat-trick from winger Rob Selosse, the Waratahs suffered a heart-breaking 40-39 defeat in an absolute points-fest that had spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Promising Start Not Enough

The Waratahs began brightly with Selosse crossing in the 8th minute and Lachlan Day adding the extras to give the home side an early advantage. Day’s penalty in the 16th minute extended the lead before the visitors hit back through Oleni Ngungutau to keep the contest tight.

Selosse Continues to Shine

The Waratahs continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when Selosse bagged his second try on the half-hour mark. Day’s conversion and subsequent penalty goal in the 36th minute gave the home side a handy buffer heading into the break.

Visitor’s Second-Half Onslaught

The second stanza began with a devastating visitor’s surge as Lindsay Maiava produced a remarkable hat-trick in just ten minutes. The powerful runner crossed in the 43rd, 47th and 53rd minutes to completely swing momentum, with Daniel Bozic converting two of the three tries.

Waratahs Fight Back

With the match slipping away, the Waratahs responded magnificently. Selosse completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute before Joshua Gray crashed over just five minutes later, with Day’s conversion putting the home side back in front.

Final Quarter Drama

The visitors weren’t done yet, with Teuwitai-o-Samuel Samuel crossing for a crucial try in the 64th minute and Bozic’s conversion flipping the lead once more.

The Waratahs thought they’d secured victory when Eparama Tuvunivono powered over in the 75th minute with Day’s conversion giving the home side a slender lead, but Feleti Faigafa’s last-gasp try and Bozic’s clutch conversion in the 80th minute broke Waratahs’ hearts.

Tactical Substitutions

Both teams looked to their benches to provide impact in the second half. The Waratahs introduced Daniel McGreal at a critical juncture, while the visitors brought on Owen Daniel and Mason Payne. The loss of Shane Makea to injury at halftime was also a blow for the visitors, though Kross Timoti proved an able replacement.

Day’s Boot Not Quite Enough

In a match with such fine margins, Lachlan Day contributed a valuable 14 points through his boot with four conversions and two penalty goals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough to secure victory, with Bozic’s five conversions proving equally crucial for the visitors.

Attacking Rugby on Display

Fans certainly got their money’s worth with a combined 11 tries in this end-to-end encounter. The Waratahs’ attack functioned beautifully at times, with Selosse’s finishing ability a particular highlight, while Gray and Tuvunivono also showed their power close to the line.

Looking Forward

While the result wasn’t what the Waratahs wanted, the attacking quality displayed provides encouragement for the weeks ahead. The challenge will be tightening the defensive structure, particularly against powerful runners like Maiava who proved so damaging.

Final Score

Waratahs 39 – Visitors 40

Scoring Summary

Waratahs Tries: Rob Selosse (3), Joshua Gray, Eparama Tuvunivono Waratahs Conversions: Lachlan Day (4/5) Waratahs Penalty Goals: Lachlan Day (2/2)

Visitors Tries: Lindsay Maiava (3), Oleni Ngungutau, Teuwitai-o-Samuel Samuel, Feleti Faigafa Visitors Conversions: Daniel Bozic (5/6) Visitors Penalty Goals: Daniel Bozic (0/1)

FIXTURE RESULTS