Crafty Brumbies edge Waratahs in Super Rugby opener despite Max Jorgensen double

The Brumbies have gatecrashed the NSW Waratahs’ homecoming to Allianz Stadium, edging their Super Rugby Pacific rivals in a 31-25 win. In their first game at the venue in five years, the Waratahs were caught napping at key moments and Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies will head back down the highway with a hard-earned victory.

There was some solace for the 25,076 fans present on Friday night, who got to witness the debut of highly-touted teenager Max Jorgensen. The 18-year-old, who became the youngest Waratahs debutant since Kurtley Beale, grabbed two tries in a promising maiden outing at the top level.

Although a late penalty from Tane Edmed gave the home side a losing bonus point, Waratahs coach Darren Coleman was disappointed with his side’s opening effort.

“We didn’t play anywhere near our potential,” Coleman said. “They choked us a bit and it pushed us into errors, we’re a little flat because we had built up this game. I feel we missed a bit of an opportunity, but I think if there are positives is that we are nowhere near our best and got that bonus-point loss, we’ve just got to be better.”

Crafty Brumbies No 9 Ryan Lonergan was the star of the show for the visitors, grabbing 16 of his side’s points - including the opening try - before being subbed off for Nic White in the second half.

Lonergan got his side in the lead when he backed up a pin-balling Tom Wright before Jorgensen levelled by supporting a rampaging Angus Bell to shrug off the tackles of Rob Valentini and Allan Alaalatoa to cross in the 15th minute. Edmed added the conversion, but Bell’s night was cruelled not long after due to a foot injury.

Lonergan and Edmed traded penalties before the hosts’ fate took a twist just before halftime when they switched off at