Super Rugby: Wallaby goes down as Reds romp to huge shutout win
A Wallabies star went down while another did his international hopes no harm to inspire the Reds to a big shutout win against the Highlanders.
In-form Reds centre Jordan Petaia left the field with a dislocated shoulder injury as Queensland midfielder Hunter Paisami shone in a fine Wallabies audition to inspire the Reds to a 31-0 victory at Suncorp Stadium over the Highlanders.
Inside centre Paisami was excellent, scoring a try, setting up two more, and defending the lights out as he impressed with a deft kicking game that saw the Highlanders crash to their fifth consecutive loss.
But the all-round brilliance of Paisami, who scored the first try of the night and set up the last, was tempered by the worrying sight of ace utility back Petaia- who shifted from the wing to centre - leaving the game in the 33rd minute.
Petaia had his shoulder popped back in place on the field and his dislocated shoulder will likely have him out for the remainder of the season.
It took the gloss of Queensland’s win, after finding a way to win without Tate McDermott(suspension), Seru Uru (thumb), Fraser McReight (suspension) and Josh Flook (shoulder).
SMASH HIT WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS
We all knew Queensland midfielder Paisami was a hit man. The thickly set No.12 has long been an intimidating player to confront, but on Friday night he offered so much more than thumps on defence.
He was a presence everywhere on the park, kicking the Reds into an attacking position or out of safety, and playing a playmaking role to put Mac Grealy into space.
His glorious kick, pass, run, and tackle package had the Highlanders on the back foot from the outset.
KALANI IS KING
It did not take long for scrumhalf Kalani Thomas to make an impact in his first start of the season.
With co-captain Tate McDermott out, Thomas was thrust into the starting lineup. In the opening stages a spurt from the breakdown created momentum for the Reds to pounce on.
A bullet pass by Thomas moments after his decisive dash put centre Hunter Paisami over for the Queenslander’s first try of the night.
He played 60 minutes and was top notch before Louis Werchon was able to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
NO SHOTS FIRED
The Highlanders were kept scoreless, with the Reds defence something to behold.
On countless occasions the Highlanders mounted pressure with 10-plus-phases but the Reds dam wall held firm.
Whether it was a colossal hit by Suliasi Vunivalu and Angus Blyth or a pilfer from Jefferemy Toomaga-Allen, the Queenslander’s had their rivals measure.
Especially in the first half, when the Highlanders were their own worst enemy, dropping the ball whenever they were given a sniff.
HISTORIC RESULT
The Reds biggest win over the Highlanders in 27 years finished with a highlight, engineered by none other than Paisami.
Off the lineout, Paisami had the ball on a string when putting in a cross field kick for his winger Vunivalu.
The ball only just sailed over the head of busy outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and bounced into the breadbasket of Vunivalu who dove over.
What a way to respond to having five of their best players (including Petaia) out by Queensland in front of their home fans.
It was a response which also snapped a three game losing streak.
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