The Waratahs furthered their claims for a home semi-final in this year's Super 12 on Saturday with a convincing 31-13 victory over the Highlanders in Sydney.

The win, in front of an Australian Super 12 record crowd of 35,254, moves the Waratahs to 30 points and second on the ladder behind the Crusaders. The Highlanders remain in fourth on 25 points. But they will be ruing their failure to at least pick up a bonus point as they have the bye next week, which means two weeks without registering any points with the race for fourth place tightening.

The Waratahs will be ecstatic to get away with the win and particularly a bonus point with a four tries after an atrocious lineout display and equally poor handling effort.

The Waratahs led 14-10 at the break and scored four tries to two in a scrappy affair. Both had their chances to add to the try tally but were denied by a combination of poor handling and some rugged defence.

The two sides had players spend time in the sinbin. Highlanders halfback Byron Kelleher was dismissed for stomping in the ninth minute. The Waratahs made the most of the advantage with winger Marc Stcherbina scoring the game's first try in the 16th minute.

Waratahs flanker Des Tuiavii was sent in the 56th minute for continual infringement at the breakdown. But while the Highlanders failed to capitalise, the Waratahs lifted at one man down for prop Patricio Noriego to cross and extend the lead to 24-13 in the 62nd minute.

Scoreboard

NSW WARATAHS 31
Tries: Marc Stcherbina, Duncan McRae, Patricio Noriega, Scott Staniforth.
Goals: Matthew Burke 4 goals, pen goal.

HIGHLANDERS 13
Try: Paul Steinmetz.
Goals: Tony Brown 2 pen goal, goal.

At Aussie Stadium.
Crowd: 35,254.
Referee: Andy Turner.