Reds stun the champs in upset of the season
IT MAY have only been by the skin of their teeth, but the Reds have caused the upset of the Super Rugby season with a nailbiting 28-27 win over the Highlanders.
Led by Fijian flyer Samu Kerevi, the first 40 minutes was a dazzling display of rugby by the regenerated Reds against the reigning champions, who fought back from 22-6 down at the break to nearly snatch victory in the final minutes.
Kerevi was the 108kg point of difference as he peeled off 161m, eight tackle busts, seven line breaks, a try assist and a try of his own.
The flamboyant style of rugby that the Reds have teased glimpses of since Nick Stiles and Matt O’Connor took the reigns at Ballymore was finally delivered in full force, as the home side dominated every facet of play from the opening whistle.
Liam Gill was again among the Reds’ best and he was the first to trouble the scorers, a deserved recipient of a Kerevi try assist three minutes into the first half.
A Lima Sopoaga penalty goal five minutes later brought the Highlanders within two points but Nick Frisby extended the lead with a tryof-the-year contender soon after.
A shanked Jake McIntyre crossfield kick was collected by Kerevi on the halfway line. He threw a borderline forward pass to a flying Eto Nabuli before he found Frisby running on fumes in support to bring the Suncorp crowd to their feet.
The ultimate show of respect for the resolute Reds defence came in the 21st minute when Highlanders captain Shane Christie opted to have Sopoaga take a shot at goal from 49m out rather than pursue more points, taking the score to 12-6.
A try from a loose ball spill 40m out from the Highlanders’ tryline was a fitting reward for the outside centre, as the home side took a 22-6 lead and a standing ovation into the break.
The game was well and truly one of two halves, however, as the Reds fumbled their way to a vulnerable position. The Highlanders dominated the territory battle but only a clever set play from a lineout saw the Reds finally fold, Aaron Smith crossing for the visitors’ first five-pointer of the match with 59 minutes on the clock.
Tries to Malakai Fekitoa and Sopoaga in the 68th and 72nd minute made for a tense final eight minutes.
Samu Kerevi was the 108kg point of difference as he peeled off 161m, eight tackle busts and try of his own