The Waratahs displayed more experience and maturity than their opponents scoring three tries to one to overpower a gallant Lions outfit that was stung by the loss of flyhalf and skipper Andre Pretorius just before the game.

The Australian outfit scored two first half tries through Daniel Halangahu and man-of-the-match Rocky Elsom to lead 15-6 at the break and secured the deserved victory 12 minutes from full-time when reserve hooker Adam Freier crashed over for a five-pointer out wide.

Waratahs 25
Tries: Daniel Halangahu, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier
Conversions: Peter Hewat 2
Penalties: Hewat 2

Lions 16
Tries: Louis Ludik
Conversions: Louis Strydom
Penalties: Strydom 3

HT: 15-6.

The Western Force has opened its 2007 Super 14 campaign with a disjointed 8-7 loss to the Highlanders in blistering heat at Perth's Subiaco Oval on Friday night.

Forward strength and composure allowed the Highlanders to pressure the Force and stonewall the home side's sporadically dynamic attack into errors as both sides scored one try but come unstuck in the 37 degree temperatures.

The Force impressed for periods with sharp attack and support and threatened with some free flowing attacking play but last-pass errors and poor options saw them bomb their chances.

Highlanders 8
Tries: Blackie
Penalties: Bruce

Western Force 7
Tries: Hilgendorf
Conversions: Shepherd

Crowd 30, 704 @ Subiaco Oval, Perth. Sportal