The Waratahs showed greater composure in the first half to take a 10-3 lead into half-time before the Blacks turned the tables to register a 28-13 win at the Exies Oval.

Griffith president Andrew Scott said once the Blacks settled things down, the points followed.

“The Waratahs were controlling the game in the first half,” Scott said.

“The boys were going one off too often and got isolated and the Waratahs were dominating in the scrum a bit.

“But as soon as they got back to structures, off they went.”

Scott said many players impressed on the day but none more than Teei Piawi who’s calming influence was integral to the turnaround.

“Tao Mataora and Gossy Toru played really good and Teei Piawi came off the bench and settled everyone down,” Scott said.

“He had a level head out there and helped build some pressure by holding the ball instead of trying to score every phase.”

Scott also noted the side’s defence as a deciding factor.

“Defence was pretty good,” he said.

“They [Blacks] were hitting them pretty hard which rattled them a bit. They got up in their faces and went on from there.”

With the win, the Blacks progress through to the major semi-final.

They will take on minor premier Wagga City at Conolly Rugby Complex in Wagga next week.