Posted February 25, 2017 22:18:17

Photo: Michael Hooper's Waratahs saw the Force off. (AAP: Dean Lewins)

Former NRL back Reece Robinson has produced a near-perfect kicking display as NSW Waratahs slogged their way to a 19-13 Super Rugby opening-round win over Western Force.

Both teams scored one try in wet and slippery conditions which produced plenty of mistakes and few flowing passages of play.

The Tahs trailed 13-9 at the break, but scored 10 unanswered points to secure the win, with Force picking up a bonus point.

Robinson, kicking because Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley was absent due to concussion, landed four penalties and converted Will Skelton's 44th minute try.

His only miss came from a penalty attempt right on the siren.

Five-eighth and former Waratah Jono Lance scored all of the Force's points, scampering over for their try following good work from number eight Richard Hardwick and half-back Ryan Louwrens close to the Tahs line.

Wallabies forwards Tolu Latu and Will Skelton were strong performers for NSW.

Waratahs strike weapon Israel Folau barely touched the ball while his opposite number and former NRL star Curtis Rona also got little opportunity to show his attacking prowess.

In an earlier Super Rugby game, the Brumbies put up a brave fight in Christchurch but could not overcome a strong Crusaders team, losing 17-13.

Few fancied the Brumbies to break the 17-year hoodoo, but the new-look side fought bravely away from home in a promising if unsuccessful start to the campaign.

AAP/ABC

Topics: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, nsw, perth-6000, wa, canberra-2600, act, australia