Berrick Barnes’ early departure from Friday night’s trial demolition of Tonga appeared precautionary, but the Waratahs will still be holding their breath ahead of next week’s Super Rugby opener against Queensland.

The NSW star playmaker was only down to play 40 minutes at the Sydney Football Stadium, but was replaced in the 30th minute, nursing a groin complaint – as the Waratahs cruised to a 52-0 victory.

NSW were confident Barnes was just experiencing tightness in his right groin, with the stand-in captain having the area strapped as soon as he was replaced by Daniel Halangahu.

Barnes’ departure came quite suddenly, given the five-eighth had just thrown the last pass for Rob Horne’s try and potted his third conversion for a 21-0 lead.

Halangahu didn’t even have his shirt on when Barnes came from the field, and because of the delay, the Wallaby five-eighth even motioned to play on – a good sign the problem isn’t overly serious.

But if Barnes wasn’t able to back up in time for next Saturday night’s blockbuster against the Reds, it would push the Waratahs injury troubles towards a crisis.

Already missing the likes of Rocky Elsom (March return), Dan Vickerman (April return), Lachie Turner (season) and most likely Drew Mitchell for round one, NSW will be desperate for their No.10 to steer the ship against the defending premiers.

The news was better for giant No.8 Wycliff Palu, Horne, prop Benn Robinson and Adam Ashley-Cooper on his Waratahs debut, who all got through unscathed.

Impressive South African No.9 Sarel Pretorius showed off his brilliant running game, scoring the first try of the night and was named man of the match.

With the match broken into a first half and then three periods of 20 minutes for a total playing time of 100 minutes, confusion set in at the SFS when half the crowd of 4063 stood up and walked out after a hooter was blown at 80 minutes.

Even the match officials left the field and had to be called back.