'He can play at the highest level': Sid Harvey boots Waratahs to stunning upset over Brumbies
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The NSW Waratahs snapped a painful Canberra hoodoo and resurrected their slumping season with a 30-28 Super Rugby upset over the ACT Brumbies on Friday night.
Sid Harvey's left boot proved the difference as the promising young fullback calmly nailed all six of his shots at goal, including three clutch penalties in the final 15 minutes.
The Waratahs had lost their last eight games at GIO Stadium and 17 of their last 19 clashes with the Brumbies at any venue.
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Folau Fainga'a of the Waratahs celebrates winning the round seven Super Rugby match. Getty
But after building a 21-7 lead late in the first half, it looked like NSW might blow another lead as Stephen Larkham's fought back to 21-21.
Harvey's boot built a renewed buffer before Brumbies flanker Luke Reimer scored a 79th minute try to set up a thrilling finish that the Waratahs survived.
It snapped a three-game losing streak for NSW.
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Ethan Dobbins of the Waratahs celebrates a turnover with teammates. Getty
"For us as a group, huge," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar told Stan Sport.
"Just builds confidence and belief, you know. We're a pretty new group together and just to be able to create some pretty special memories and have a beer and enjoy each other's company in the team room, back at the hotel - they're special moments as a footballer. We take a lot out of tonight."
McKellar is a former Brumbies coach and Wallabies assistant.
He said the sky was the limit for 20-year-old Harvey, the ex-sevens star that Stan Sport commentator Sean Maloney has dubbed the 'Narrabri Kid.'
"He's a tremendous young kid, good country boy," he said.
"Comes from a lovely family and you'd think he was 28. Very, very good around his preparation, his analysis work, he works hard on his core skill, and he's naturally pretty gifted. He's just got that little bit of time and class about him, so I think he's in for a long career.
Sid Harvey of the Waratahs in action during the round seven Super Rugby match. Getty
"He can play at the highest level in time... we've just got to let him develop and become a really good Super Rugby player first - and, higher accolades will come off the back of that."
It was Harvey's first win as a Waratahs player.
Wallabies and Waratahs legend Michael Hooper asked Harvey whether there was any hesitation in putting his hand up for difficult kicks in pressure moments.
Waratahs players celebrate victory during the round seven Super Rugby match. Getty
"You've got to want them. In the 50 (metre range) from anywhere, I'm happy with. If MP (captain Matt Philip) looks at me and wants me to kick it, I'll kick it. I'll walk in and just give him the nod. I love kicking, I've always just enjoyed it."
Harvey said he had his father to thank for his relaxed disposition on the field.
"Whenever I used to play juniors and I was tense, I'd play awfully," he explained.
"Dad would pull me up on it and say, 'mate, just relax and breathe out.' I've probably got a million thoughts running through my head, but I'll probably look a little bit more calm."
The win lifted the Waratahs up to sixth with a 3-3 record and a tough trip to play the Chiefs in Hamilton next.
The Brumbies stay third with a 4-3 ledger and the bye next weekend.
