The Queensland Reds have jumped to second on the Super Rugby ladder after beating the Highlanders 29-23 in round 6
The Queensland Reds have stormed to second on the Super Rugby ladder after returning from 20-12 down to win 29-23 against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Queensland Reds have stormed to second on the Super Rugby ladder after returning from 20-12 down to win 29-23 against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
It marks back-to-back victories for the Reds, a second successive bonus-point win after beating the Waratahs 35-15 last week and most importantly, a 12-year hoodoo has been shattered in Dunedin.
The last time Queensland won at Forsyth Barr was in 2013 and it took a rollicking scrum effort and star performances from flanker Seru Uru and Filipo Daugunu to break the curse.
Queensland burst out to a 12-nil lead and surrendered to a 20-0 scoring spurt by the Highlanders when plagued by a one-man disadvantage (Heremaia Murray yellow card). The visitors then scored three unanswered tries in the final 30 minutes to topple their first Kiwi opposition of the season.
A pressurising scrum led by props Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonngorr and Sef Fa’agase, the brutality of outside centre Daugunu and the busy work of No.8 and captain Harry Wilson went a long way in turning the tide in a gruelling second half.
When All Black prop Jaylen de Groot received a yellow card in the 62nd minute for repeated infringements, the Reds twisted the knife through Lachie Anderson and Daugunu who scored while he watched on.
“It’s very special,” Reds captain Harry Wilson told Stan Sport.
“We talked about it all week, it being since 2013 (since winning at this stadium). We wanted to be a side which can rewrite those history books.
“For us to do that, missing a few key players (Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Josh Flook, Jock Campbell), the next boys in our team stood up and they were immense.”
DAUGUNU DELIVERS IN BONUS-POINT WIN
The Highlanders led 20-12 with 30 minutes left after flipping the script to score 20 unanswered points approaching half time.
The Reds needed a response and it was Daugunu, fortified by headgear, who crashed over to pull Queensland within one point and set up a tense final quarter.
With Queensland’s sensational scrum providing the perfect platform, the visitors thrived off momentum and a one-man advantage to score two tries within five minutes and lead 29-20 with 10 to play.
The second try, scored by Daugunu, was a beauty which started at the back when ‘Junkyard Dog’ Tim Ryan ran the ball 30m before offloading on his inside to Wilson.
Wilson resembled a flyhalf grubbering the ball forward towards the stripe where Daugunu tackled his rival, found his feet and counter-rucked to win the ball.
He scored moments later and the Reds held a telling nine-point lead with nine minutes left.
The boys in maroon then muscled up to repel the home side, who could only manage a penalty goal on the final play.
THOMAS TEARING UP
Earlier, an unlikely first half hero for Queensland arose in Kalani Thomas. In his first start of the season, the scrumhalf was quick to leave his mark when scoring the first try and making the run which led to Queensland’s second.
The Reds had escaped early trouble when Highlanders were closing in and went the length of the field to score through the ever-reliable Thomas. Towering lock Angus Blyth did a great job releasing a pass after scooting from the ruck.
Moments later, Thomas took off from the ruck at about halfway and the Reds were closing in. The precious field position led to hooker Richie Asiata rumbling over from the back of a raucous Reds rolling maul.
Thomas headlined a contingent of squad members who stepped up in the absence of key Wallabies and forward leaders.
Backrowers Lukhan Salakai-Loto, in his return from injury, and Joe Brial offered plenty coming off the bench. Hooker Asiata also put in a very strong performance.
AIC First XI cricket’s Team of the Season named after shared title
The AIC First XI cricket Team of the Season can be revealed after a cliff hanging three way jostle for the premiership ended in Ashgrove and Iona sharing the title.
Meninga, Connell Cup and Harvey girls league: Rd 6 thrills and spills
Meninga Cup, Connell Cup and Harvey Norman U17 and U19 round 6 latest, including how the magical Souths Logan 17s have piled on 114 points in the last 120 minutes.