Qeensland’s Reds earned back to back Super Rugby victories over Australian rivals the Brumbies by beating the Canberra side 18-10 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The Brumbies scored all of the tries in the match but a late penalty from Jono lance took the lead to 8 points which cost the Canberra side a losing bonus point.
The Reds beat the Brumbies 16-15 when the teams last met at the same venue in July last year and this is the first time the Reds have ever gone back to back against the Brumbies at Suncorp.
The Reds made a convincing start by dominating possession and territory in the opening ten minutes of the match.
Two James Tuttle penalties put the Reds into the lead before the Brumbies scored the opening try.
Joe Powell scored for the Canberra side but they missed the opportunity to take the lead on the scoreboard as Christian Lealiffano hit the post with the conversion.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “I’m pleased with the boys, they worked hard for the full 80. I thought our set piece and defence were big positives for us tonight. But mainly I’m pleased with the heart and the fight showed by the team.”
The Reds opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with a penalty goal to James Tuttle, after the Brumbies were penalised in the scrum.
They extended their lead in the 24th minute with a second penalty goal to Tuttle, with the Brumbies penalised for offside.
The Brumbies crossed for the first try of the match in the 31st minute through Joe Powell, but the conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-5.
A yellow card to Caleb Timu for a shoulder charge in the 35th minute saw the Reds reduced to 14 men, but they withstood a late charge from the Brumbies to go into half time with their lead intact.
Tuttle opened up the scoring in the second half with a penalty goal in the 56th minute, extending the Reds’ lead to 9-5.
The Reds’ scrum earned them another penalty inside Brumbies’ territory in the 65th minute, with Jono Lance slotting the penalty goal to further extend his side’s lead to 12-5.
After a series of attacking raids into the Brumbies’ 22m, the Reds were awarded another penalty in front of the posts. Lance added the extras to take a 15-5 lead.
A further penalty in the 79th minute saw Lance put the Reds ahead 18-10. Liam Wright secured the ensuing kick-off and Tate McDermott booted the ball into touch, seeing the Reds claim a win in their first home game of 2018.
Next week the Reds host South Africa’s Bulls in Brisbane while the Brumbies travel to Melbourne to play the Rebels.
Final score Reds 18 (6) Brumbies 10 (5)
Scorers
Reds
Tries –
Pen – J. Tuttle 3, J.Lance 3
Con –
Drop –
Cards – C.Timu (35th min yellow)
Brumbies
Tries – J.Powell, I.Naisarani
Pen –
Con –
Drop –
Cards –
Match Officials
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Ref 1:Will Houston
Assistant Ref 2:James Leckie
TMO : George Ayoub
Teams
Reds
15. Aidan Toua, 14. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13. Samu Kerevi, 12. Duncan Paia’aua, 11. Eto Nabuli, 10. Jono Lance, 9. James Tuttle, 8. Caleb Timu, 7. Liam Wright,6. Adam Korczyk, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Izack Rodda, 3. Taniela Tupou, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1. James Slipper.
Replacements 16. Alex Mafi, 17. JP Smith, 18. Sef Fa’agase, 19. Harry Hockings, 20. Angus Scott-Young, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Filipo Daugunu.
Brumbies
15. Tom Banks, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. Chance Peni, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Joe Powell, 8. Isi Naisarani, 7. Tom Cusack, 6. Lachlan McCaffrey, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 1. Ben Alexander.
Replacements 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Nic Mayhew, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Wharenui Hawera, 23.Lausii Taliauli.
