Earlier the Waratahs comfortably defeated New Zealand Kea but the match took its toll with fatigue appearing to affect the team in their second game.

The tough, physical contest saw the Waratahs and Tigers trade blows in the first half with NSW captain Alex Brown leading from the front with desperate defence and quick transition play.

The Waratahs’ Toby Ivanovic was also crucial with several well-taken free throws keeping his side’s nose in front.

For the Tigers, Jordan Latham was crucial with his accurate shooting coming to the fore whenever his team were in trouble.

Trailing early in the second half the Tigers had the run of play in the opening stages before the Waratahs’ Brown, Ryan Beisty and Mitch Jacob took it upon themselves to take back control of the contest.

Waratahs coach Dom Lenarduzzi said it wasn’t the prettiest game to watch but he was happy with the final outcome.

“Today was OK,” he said.

“We could have played a lot better, we were just physically and emotionally fatigued (during the game).

“We’ve had a pretty good draw.

“Our easier games are coming earlier in the week and they’re getting harder as we go.”