The NSW Waratahs have hung on for a brave 24-17 Super Rugby victory over the Brumbies, doing it on the road without injured superstar Israel Folau.

The versatile ace went to the bench with a suspected hamstring injury four minutes into the Saturday night blockbuster and was replaced by Alex Newsome.

It was concerning news for the Waratahs’ season as well as for Wallabies coach Michael Chieka, who was watching in the crowd.

However, a powerhouse two-try performance from Taqele Naiyaravoro sparked Daryl Gibson’s team towards their third win of the season, closing the gap on the Australian conference-leading Melbourne Rebels.

The winger made the most of some sloppy play from the Brumbies right on halftime at GIO Stadium, running down the left wing to ensure the Waratahs were 13-11 after a Bernard Foley conversion.

Naiyaravoro again scored two minutes into the second half from a brilliant Newsome offload.

Foley was uncharacteristically wayward with his kicking, missing three penalties and one conversion, but he had a memorable outing as he brought up 800 Super Rugby points.

Brumbies fly-half Wharenui Hawera almost made Foley pay for his inaccuracy, backing up an impressive performance off the boot against the Sharks two weeks ago.

The Brumbies’ only try for the evening came through Lausii Taliauli as he ran onto a classy chip kick from Hawera.

David Pocock had a quiet night in his first match with the Brumbies since 2016 after recovering from knee surgery following his 12-month sabbatical.

It was also his 100th Super Rugby appearance for Pocock, who took over as captain when Christian Lealiifano was subbed off in the 56th minute.