Super Rugby 2019: Unwanted Sunwolves beat Waratahs in Newcastle

A week after they were axed from Super Rugby, the Sunwolves have produced a stunning 31-29 win over the Waratahs in Newcastle.

Winger Semisi Masirewa scored three tries for the Japanese club, while NZ-born first-five Hayden Parker kicked 5/5 to maintain his perfect record this season. He's now 27/27 for 2019.

The win was the Sunwolves' first since learning they'd be cut from the competition from 2021 onwards.

On top of that, it's their first in Australia and their second of the season, after their 30-15 triumph over the Chiefs earlier this month.

The result comes a week after the Waratahs defeated the two-time defending champion Crusaders 20-12 to end the New Zealand side's 19-game win streak.

Tahs coach Darryl Gibson opted to rest several key players for the match, due to the Wallabies rotation policy - similar to what the All Blacks are doing in the lead-up to the World Cup.

But that was no excuse for Sunwolves coach Tony Brown, who was asked if he was offended by the Waratahs resting players.

Sunwolves coach Tony Brown.
Sunwolves coach Tony Brown. Photo credit: Photosport

"Japan is as well, mate," said Brown, with a massive grin on his face. "Every international team has resting policies.

"You put the best team you can put on the field. It doesn’t worry us who they play, we just go out there to win the game."

The Waratahs scored the game's opening try after 90 seconds, but the Sunwolves rallied with tries to Masirewa and Grant Hattingh to lead 17-12 at halftime.

The hosts then regained the lead, before Masirewa scored twice in three minutes to put the Sunwolves in the box seat.

Kurtley Beale cut the deficit back to two points, when he took a quick tap and darted over the tryline.

But it was too little too late, as the Sunwolves held on for another famous win.

The Sunwolves picked up four points for their victory, still bottom of the Australian Conference, but moving up to 13th in the overall standings.

"We want to win every game possible," Brown added. "We've played some good rugby this year and we've been unlucky not to win more games.

"We're good enough to beat every team in this competition."

The Sunwolves travel to Melbourne to face the Rebels in their next match, while the Waratahs are away to the Blues.

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