Waratahs coach Kose Lelei admitted his side were their own worst enemy at times in the second half.

“That second half was pretty crazy,” he said.

“It was like we didn't want the ball and kept giving it away especially in our own 20, and we gave away three penalties when we had the ball.”

After the side traded blows early in the game, it was a long run from Moahone Lelei which put the Waratahs into a dangerous position before Kose Lelei was able to use his strength to get across the line.

The Waratahs were able to extend their lead though Ken Levu who was able to push across at short range before the Greens were able to answer.

Leeton spread the ball into the wide position, and Kirtis Fisher took advantage to cross in the corner. It looked like the Greens would close to within two points when Quintin Heke crossed, but it was called back for obstruction.

Instead, Waratahs were able to score against the run of play before halftime as Peniona Tamanisave got across in the corner to see the home side go into the break up 16-4.

The visiting side needed to make an impact early in the second half and was able to as James Fisher worked hard to keep the ball alive and get an offload out to Bailey Wallace who scored next to the post.

The Waratahs started to be their own worst enemy as after giving away a penalty while in possession Daniel Hyde was able to score under the post to bring the scores back level with 25 minutes remaining in the game.

The match-winning try came after a 60 metre run from Tamanisave saw him cross in the corner and after a successful conversion from James Girdler gave the home side a 22-16 lead.

Leeton looked to have gotten across the line to have the chance to pull level but again the play was called back for an obstruction. Leeton will now return home to take on the other undefeated team in the Sharks while Waratahs have the bye which Lelei feels comes at a great time for his side.

“We have a couple of boys out and we had a few injuries today as well, and we can wear them off,” he said.