Waratahs shock Chiefs with stunning Super Rugby win in Sydney

NSW Waratahs defeat top-ranked Chiefs 21-14 with resilient defence and standout tries.

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar looks on ahead of the round nine Super Rugby Pacific match between the NSW Waratahs and the Chiefs at Allianz Stadium on April 11, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar had every reason to smile on Friday night as his team pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 Super Rugby season. The Waratahs shocked the Chiefs with a hard-earned 21-14 win at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, a result that not only snapped the table-toppers’ momentum but also reaffirmed the Waratahs’ fighting spirit at home.

It was a match defined by grit, belief, and a defence that refused to fold under pressure. After back-to-back losses to Moana Pasifika and the Hurricanes — defeats that saw them concede a staggering 16 tries and 102 points — few expected the Waratahs to bounce back with this kind of performance. But bounce back they did, and in emphatic style.

A night of redemption in Sydney

For McKellar, who recently removed himself from contention to replace Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach, the win was more than just points on the ladder. It was a statement of intent, a show of character, and a demonstration of what this group is capable of when their backs are against the wall.

"You can't beat the Chiefs and be relieved — just really, really proud," McKellar said after the match. "We challenged each other this week, and the boys bounced back incredibly well. They turned up with a whole lot of belief."

That belief was evident from the first whistle. The Waratahs struck early with fullback Joseph Suaalii carving through the Chiefs’ defence thanks to a precise pass from flyhalf Lawson Creighton. It was a moment that lifted the crowd and gave the home side a confidence boost they sorely needed.

Three tries and a whole lot of heart

The Waratahs’ 14-7 lead at halftime was not just about scoring — it was about heart. Tries from Suaalii, Triston Reilly, and Teddy Wilson provided the firepower, but it was the defence that stole the show.

In the second half, the Chiefs — who had lost just once in their previous seven matches — threw everything at the Waratahs. They attacked from all angles, looking to break through. But time after time, the home side held firm, refusing to give an inch.

"Defence is the most important thing in the building," McKellar said. "If we want to be a team that's prepared to fight and work hard for each other time after time after time, you'll get reward off the back of it — and we got that."

Teamwork and trust

The match was also a demonstration of unity. For McKellar, the key moment came at halftime, with the Waratahs holding a narrow lead and the Chiefs poised to surge.

"At half-time, I just said, 'What does it mean to you?' If it means something, then you genuinely go that extra yard and show that bit more care, and we did that."

It was clear the team took those words to heart. From the forwards putting in relentless tackles to the backline scrambling in defence, every Waratahs player dug deep to maintain the lead.

Turning the tide on a tough season

This win does more than just keep the Waratahs unbeaten at home. It changes the narrative around their season.

Sitting fourth on the ladder after such a dominant performance against a top side, the Waratahs now have momentum. The win proves they can match it with the best, and that their earlier losses — as heavy as they were — haven’t broken their spirit.

It also speaks to the leadership within the squad. While the young stars like Suaalii continue to shine, veterans and coaching staff have kept the group focused on the bigger picture: building consistency, trust, and belief.

The Chiefs left stunned

For the Chiefs, this was only their second loss of the season — and perhaps their most frustrating. Despite dominating possession at times in the second half, they couldn’t find a way past a Waratahs defence that grew stronger with each passing minute.

The loss won’t derail their campaign — they’re still firmly at the top of the table — but it does raise questions about their ability to adapt when faced with stubborn resistance.

What’s next for the Waratahs?

The Waratahs now look ahead with renewed optimism. With strong form at home and a key win against a top rival, their confidence is building at just the right time.

There are still challenges ahead, of course. Super Rugby is a demanding competition, and consistency week in and week out remains the ultimate goal. But Friday’s win over the Chiefs may be the turning point the Waratahs needed.

For McKellar and his squad, the message is simple: defend like your season depends on it, trust the system, and believe in the group.

Because when they do, the Waratahs are more than just competitive — they’re contenders.

In a season marked by ups and downs, the Waratahs shock Chiefs result serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in rugby. With a strong performance rooted in defence, discipline, and determination, NSW has sent a message to the rest of the competition: underestimate them at your peril.

Whether this is the start of a genuine title push or just a much-needed morale boost, one thing is certain — the Waratahs aren’t done yet. And if they keep this form going, the rest of the Super Rugby field will need to take notice.