The Waratahs found themselves down 14-nil half an hour into the contest, but clawed their way back to take the points 23-14.

After making 73 metres (according to Fox Sports stats) in their opening round loss to the Reds, Newsome had a comparably quiet night in attack with just four runs for one metre.

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Playing in their first Super match since 2017, the Force showed they aren't in the competition to make up the numbers.

Force skipper Ian Prior said his team felt they matched their opponents in most departments.

"I think we were up to the pace - I think we didn't adjust to a couple of the new rules there - that offside rule, we got done a few times," Prior told Fox Sports.

"I thought we were up to it physically and conditioning-wise but a little bit of discipline let us down."

They led until the 61st minute when NSW lock Tom Staniforth burrowed over the line, with the converted try opening up a six-point lead for the home side.

The try came after Karmichael Hunt earned his team a lineout with the first of his two 50-22 kicks, the former Wallaby making a strong impression in his return from injury off the bench.

The Force led 14-7 at halftime with Waratahs prop Gus Bell securing some much-needed points with a 39th-minute try after a driving lineout.

NSW looked a different team after the break, playing with much more energy to keep the Force scoreless.

They still only managed the one try but it was enough to secure their first points.

It also ended a three-game losing streak dating back to the previous competition shut-down in March.

Waratahs skipper Rob Simmons admitted the win was a relief.

"It sure is, a lot of hard work went into that one and it's good to finally get the result," he said.

Australian Associated Press