A rousing last-minute try to replacement prop Siosifa Amone earned the Waratahs a thrilling 37-36 win at Allianz Stadium.
The Waratahs had looked gone after the Highlanders their fifth try shortly after Amone bagged his first try in the 66th minute.
But Amone had fans in raptures when he finished off a desperate multi-phase attack seconds before the full time siren sounded to give the Waratahs a hard-earned winning start to 2025.
Suaalii soared high in the second minute to steal a Jake Gordon box kick from the clutches of Highlanders winger Michael Mansen.
He repeated the effort shortly after, only for his tap-back this time falling straight into the arms of Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie, who promptly sent winger Caleb Tangitau on a virtual free run down the left sideline to open the scoring.
The Waratahs replied with a 10th-minute penalty goal from Tane Edmed, before Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai scurried over from close range to extend the visitors' lead to 12-3.
The home team finally bagged their opening try of the season 33 minutes into the game following the sin-binning of Highlanders lock Mitchell Dunshea for a shoulder to David Porecki's head.
Suaalii was also instrumental in the home team snatching a 13-12 halftime lead after his 30-metre burst led to centre Joey Walton being pulled down just short of the line.
Referee Angus Gardner nabbed Tangitau for not releasing Walton, yellow-carded the winger and allowed Edmed to boot the penalty in the shadows of halftime.
Despite being down a man, the Highlanders quickly regained the lead with a penalty goal from Sam Gilbert, before Porecki nudged the Tahs back in front with a driving maul try.
Things again looked grim for the hosts when Veveni Lasaqa scored but, again, Suaalii came to the rescue, beating three Highlanders defenders in a dazzling 20-metre run before Max Jorgensen crossed on the next phase.
Suaalii also pulled off a try-saving tackle on Highlanders centre Tanielu Tele'a, but it was Amone who ultimately proved the unlikely hero with his late brace to save the Waratahs' blushes.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 33-25 last night.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua host Brumbies at 3.35pm at the HFC Bank Stadium today, the Blues take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm, While the Force face Moana Pasifika at 8.35 tonight.
Source: rugby.com.au
