Super Rugby Pacific: Queensland Reds end decade-long New Zealand hoodoo with win over Chiefs

They defended for their lives and the Reds were rewarded, coming away from New Plymouth with an incredibly rare victory in a game where nobody gave them a chance.

The Reds celebrate their unlikely victory. Picture: Andy Jackson/Getty Images

The first upset on Kiwi soil for a decade by the Queensland Reds was inspired by a desperate outfit defending like a “pack of dogs” in New Plymouth.

The Reds laughed at the bookies who rated them 20-point underdogs by stunning the previously undefeated Chiefs 25-22 in the most courageous of victories.

No one gave the Reds a chance against their undefeated 10-0 rivals. They needed to fight beyond the 80 minutes to achieve the biggest boilover on the road this year in Super Rugby Pacific.

Incredibly, the Reds repelled the Chiefs for 27 phases and three minutes beyond full-time with the resilient, scrambling defence of men on a mission.

In that period, fullback Jock Campbell made two desperate tackles out wide, Tom Lynagh’s jersey grab was just as vital and standout Fraser McReight was one of the defenders under the Chiefs attacker held up over the tryline at the death.

A resolute defensive effort propelled Brad Thorn’s (R) side to victory. Picture: Andy Jackson/Getty Images

“We were massively underdogs and this gives us new life after a pretty poor season,” co-captain Tate McDermott said joyously at full-time on Stan Sport.

“We’ve always just lacked the polish but we did our job with discipline and defended like a pack of dogs.”

The Reds were down 12-7 before a classy three-try burst over 15 minutes either side of half-time gave them belief and a 22-15 lead.

Replacement prop Zane Nonggorr plunged over for his first Super Rugby try for 22-15 while Tom Lynagh potted the winning penalty goal with five minutes to play.

Won't be forgetting this one any time soon! 🤩#CHIvRED#SuperRugbyPacificpic.twitter.com/2uLTh0RnIF

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 12, 2023

HISTORY IN NZ

This was the first victory in NZ for the Reds for a decade since knocking off the Highlanders and Chiefs in the 2013 season.

The unbridled joy at full-time said as much with the team grabbing a photo on field at Yarrow Stadium for prosperity.

80-MINUTE MAN

Replacing your best player doesn’t have to be a thing just to give all your reserves a run.

Halfback McDermott played the full 80 minutes and deserved to. His snipe for a try on half-time set the winning momentum rolling.

McDermott was inspirational in his 80-minute stint. Picture: Andy Jackson/Getty Images

Jock Campbell relished start at fullback with his 17 runs for 114m while centre James O’Connor was a rock over the full distance too.

BEST BY FAR

The Reds produced the huge performance with top quartet Jordan Petaia, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami and Taniela Tupou all at home with injuries.

It was the best performance from the Reds this season because their four previous wins were against the lowly Western Force (twice), Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.

It was telling sign that the Reds are still playing for outgoing coach Brad Thorn. It was a huge win to jump back to sixth spot because the team was in danger of sliding out of the top eight.

The smart outside-in defence from the Reds pressured the Chiefs constantly and kept them 15 points under their 37-points per game average.

Queensland Reds 25 (Z Nonggorr, G Blake, T McDermott, J Campbell tries; L Creighton con, T Lynagh pen goal) def. Chiefs 22 (E Nanai-Seturo 2, S Finau tries; D McKenzie 2 con, pen goal)

Originally published as Super Rugby Pacific: Queensland Reds end decade-long New Zealand hoodoo with win over Chiefs