Super Rugby AU kicked off with a match between the Reds and Waratahs. In a game that showed the rustiness by both sides, the Reds outscored the Waratahs with 4 tries to 2, to end a seven-year drought with a 32-26 win.
The Reds opened the scoring in the match within the first five minutes of the game. The Waratahs replied almost immediately to level the score 7-7. The Reds (12-7) scored a second try after consecutive penalties by the Waratahs inside their own halve. Nothing much in the first twenty minutes but the Reds were slowly but surely wrestling control of the match from the Waratahs.
The power of the Reds front-row earned them several penalties which they used in the second quarter to dominate proceedings. A converted penalty in the final seconds of the first half reduced the lead of the Reds to 19-13. However, the continued pressure by the Reds disrupted the Waratahs severely, with mistakes being made with the ball in hand by the Waratahs.
Whatever was said during halftime by the coaching staff of the Waratahs worked. The Waratahs lead 23-19 after 10 minutes of play in the third quarter after a converted try and penalty. The last 10 minutes of the third quarter did not provide much excitement with the Reds becoming a bit frustrated by the Waratahs defence and dominant line-out play.
The Reds slowly clawed their way back into the game and scored a try to lead 26-23 after several minutes of pressure on the Waratahs try-line. The final score saw the Reds ending an eleven game losing streak with 32-26.
Ill discipline by the Waratahs combined with their aimless kicking at the end of the day the difference between the two sides.
Next weekend the Reds will play the Rebels while the Waratahs face the Force who have a bye this weekend.
Scorers:
Reds: Tries: Liam Wright, Filipo Daugunu, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson. Conversions: Bryce Hegarty (3). Penalty: James O’Connor.
Waratahs: Tries: Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jack Maddocks. Conversions: Will Harrison (2). Penalties: Will Harrison (4).
Queensland Reds: 15. Bryce Hegarty, 14. Jock Campbell, 13. Hunter Paisami, 12. Hamish Stewart, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 10. James O’Connor, 9. Tate McDermott, 8. Harry Wilson, 7. Fraser McReight, 6. Liam Wright, 5. Lukhan Salakaia, 4. Angus Blyth, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1. Harry Hoopert. Replacements: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. JP Smith, 18. Josh Nasser, 19. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Scott Malolua, 22. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23. Josh Flook.
Waratahs: 15. Jack Maddocks, 14. James Ramm, 13. Alex Newsome (Vc), 12. Joey Walton, 11. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 10. Will Harrison, 9. Mitch Short, 8. Will Harris, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Lachlan Swinton, 5. Rob Simmons (C), 4. Ned Hanigan, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2. Robbie Abel, 1. Angus Bell. Replacements: 16. Tom Horton, 17. Tetera Faulkner, 18. Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Jack Dempsey, 21. Michael Mcdonald, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Tepai Moeroa.