Waratahs edge out Reds

Brisbane - Wycliff Palu scored a last-minute try to give the Waratahs a 30-28 win over archrivals Reds in their Super 14 clash on Saturday.

The Reds were awarded a penalty try with 10 minutes left which appeared to clinch the match, but Rory Sidey's try pulled the visitors close with the Waratah's first try of the match.

Then Wallaby No. 8 Palu's five-pointer leveled the match in the 79th minute before Daniel Halangahu's conversion gave the Waratahs the win.

Berrick Barnes, visiting his former club Reds, kicked four penalties and a dropped goal for the Waratahs and had provided nearly all the visitors' scoring until the two late tries.

The teams didn't take long to get physical - an altercation between four players ensued on the opening set of tackles.

Waratahs captain Phil Waugh said his side was lucky to escape with a win.

"It's was always going to be tough, and we didn't help ourselves with mistakes," Waugh said. "Overall, it was a pretty good win, but we have plenty to work on."

Reds captain James Horwill said he was a "shattered man."

When asked if he was pleased with the Reds general domination of the match, he shook his head in disgust.

"That was well and good, but we didn't win the game," Horwill said.

Scorers:

Waratahs
Tries: Rory Sidey, Wycliff Palu
Conversion: Daniel Halangahu
Penalties: Berrick Barnes (4), Halangahu
Drop-goal: Barnes

Reds
Tries: Daniel Braid, James Horwill, penalty try
Conversions: Quade Cooper (2)
Penalties: Cooper (2)
Drop goal: Cooper