After what could arguably be considered the best game in Super Rugby AU since the start of the competition a fortnight ago, the Force were left wondering how they had squandered yet another early 14-point lead to end up on the losing side.

Unlike most previous matches in this tournament, this contest wasn’t riddled with errors. It was rather a case of both teams making the most of the perfect playing conditions and clinically turning every scoring opportunity into points.

In a fast-paced start to the game, it was the Force who were quickly out of the blocks. Making full use of the width of the field, the visitors’ attack reduced the Reds defenders to bystanders as they raced out to a 14-point lead thanks to two well taken tries by fullback Jack McGregor and wing Byron Ralston.

But instead of retreating into their shell, the early setbacks seems to spark the Reds to life. In an eight-minute Blitzkrieg, the Reds hit back with three unanswered tries to take what would ultimately be an unassailable lead.

The turnaround started when Reds captain Liam Wright, with his team on the back foot and defending in their own half, made a brilliant steal on the ground to launch a scathing counter-attack from which hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa scored.

Not long after, fullback Jock Campbell and prop Taniela Tupou added their names to the scoresheet as the Reds went in front.

Notwithstanding their crappy defence though, the Force looked threatening whenever they were in possession, while their South African export, eighthman Brynard Stander, dominated the breakdown contest. And it was the Reds’ inability to neutralise Stander and the Force hard running game that resulted in a try for the team in yellow right on the stroke of half-time. But Jono Lance’s conversion attempt that would have leveled the scores at 21-all, was charged down from right in front as the Reds took a slender 21-19 lead into the sheds.

REMINDER: Register for interest in tickets for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa to qualify for the ballot

In a comparison to the 40-point first half, the second stanza was a much more subdued affair. Wing Filipo Daugunu scored early after the restart when he cut inside from the touchline to wrong-foot two defenders to extend the Reds’ advantage.

After that, the scoring action dried up as neither side proved able to breach the opposition defence. That changed with about 10 minutes remaining when centre Hunter Paisami was sent off for a tip tackle. The Force made the most of the numerical advantage and scored a fourth try. But again, Lance’s conversion attempt strayed wide of the target.

With four points separating the teams, the game was on a knife’s edge in the final minutes. O’Connor, who already boosted a flawless four from four record off the ticking tee, nailed a drop goal to push the Reds out to seven, but that presented the Force with one last opportunity to go in search of a match-tying converted try.

As it turned out, they got close but a knock on at the base of the ruck brought an end to the game.

Reds – Tries: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jock Campbell, Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu. Conversions: James O’Connor (4). Drop goal: O’Connor.
Force – Tries: Jack McGregor, Byron Ralston (2), Andrew Ready. Conversions: Ian Prior (2).

Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Scott-Young, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Subs: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Jack Straker, 19 Ryan Smith, 20 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Josh Flook, 23 Bryce Hegarty.

Western Force – 15 Jack McGregor, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Nick Jooste, 11 Brad Lacey, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Brynard Stander, 7 Tevin Ferris, 6 Henry Stowers, 5 Fergus Lee Warner, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Angus Wagner.
Subs: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Ollie Atkins 20 Ollie Callan, 21 Jacob Abel, 22 Henry Taefy, 23 Kyle Godwin.

Photo: @rugbycomau/Twitter

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The result – which saw the very first period of extra-time in Super Rugby AU – was fair on the balance of the match.

The contest was a largely uninspiring, dull affair where both sides struggled to build any sort of meaningful phases and struggled for any consistency at scrums and lineouts. Even though there was pre-match rain at AAMI Park, it still doesn’t excuse the litany of handling errors and uncompleted set-pieces that was served up by both teams.

The Rebels, who were looking to bounce back from their opening round defeat to the Brumbies, will be kicking themselves though. The home side led 18-8 going into the final 10 minutes after Billy Meakes scored an intercept try off a poor pass James O’Connor. However, O’Connor atoned for his error as he narrowed the scores with a penalty before playing a role in setting up Alex Mafi to score a try, which saw the game go into extra time.

As they had done throughout the match, the Reds turned to their scrum – boosted by another excellent performance by tighthead prop Taniela Tupou- and it paid dividends as they won a penalty on the halfway line in the first period of extra time. Bryce Hegarty stepped up to take it, but his kick was wide of the mark.

The Rebels applied the pressure in the second period – which devolved into a game of kicking tennis as both sides fought for territory. After over 100 minutes were played, Hegarty decided to hoof the ball into touch and accept the draw, with the Reds under pressure in their own 22-metre area.

Rebels – Tries: Reece Hodge, Billy Meakes. Conversion: Matt To’omua. Penalties: To’omua (2).
Reds – Try: Filipo Daugunu, Alex Mafi. Conversion: James O’Connor. Penalties: James O’Connor (2)

Rebels – 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (c), 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Campbell Magnay, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 Michael Stolberg, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Matt Gibbon.
Subs: 16 Efitusi Maafu, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Trevor Hosea, 20 Esei Haangana, 21 Rob Leota, 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Reece Hodge.

Reds – 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Subs: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23 Josh Flook.

Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

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The game looked to be headed for a draw, no thanks to Reds fullback Bryce Hegarty, who missed a couple of penalties from straight in front. But O’Connor took over the kicking duties late in the game and effortlessly nailed two crucial penalties to win the game for the Reds.

The result sees the Reds end a seven-year drought and 11-game losing streak against the Waratahs.

Quality-wise, the first match of Australia’s revamped domestic Super Rugby tournament was far from the spectacular contests viewers have been treated in the New Zealand equivalent, Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Australian derbies are notoriously dreary affairs, but while this game didn’t lack action, it was still an error-strewn.

The first half in particular was blighted by ill-discipline and handling mistakes, but things gradually improved in the second stanza as the Waratahs completed a good comeback from 19-7 down to edge ahead, only to lose at the end.

Despite the subdued action, the Reds settled down and into rhythm faster than the Waratahs and made the most of their opportunities. Ten minutes into the game the sides were locked at seven-all, but the hosts scored twice through backs Filipo Daugunu and Tate McDermott to go 19-7 up on the scoreboard .

Trailing by 12 and with everything seemingly going against them, the Waratahs looked dead and buried at that stage.
A combination of complacency and ill-discipline from the Reds and increased urgency from the Waratahs sparked the visitors to life and put them on the comeback trail.

Rookie flyhalf Will Harrison’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors, slotting one penalty before and two penalties after the break to get them within three points. Fullback Jack Maddocks then crossed for a converted try to put the Waratahs in the lead for the first time in the match.

But the Reds found their second wind and scored via No 8 Harry Wilson, but Harrison again pulled three points back for the Waratahs to level the scores up again. With the game on a knife’s edge and the result hanging in the balance, Reds prop Taniela Tupou was yellow carded for stupidly taking out a Reds kicker after the kick was made and it was the second time he had done it in the game.

But instead of using the man-over advantage in their favour, the Waratahs lost their cool, failing to add to their tally. And they were made to rue their wastefulness as O’Connor stepped up at the other end of the field to seal the win for the Reds.

Reds – Tries: Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson. Conversions: Bryce Hegarty (3). Penalties: James O’Connor (2).
Waratahs – Tries: Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jack Maddocks. Conversions: Will Harrison (2). Penalties: Harrison (4).

Reds – Tries: Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Filipo Daugunu. Conversions: Bryce Hegarty (2).
Waratahs – Try: Harry Johnson-Holmes. Conversion: Will Harrison. Penalties: Harrison (2).

Reds – 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (c), 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Subs: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 JP Smith, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23 Josh Flook.

Waratahs – 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 James Ramm, 13 Alex Newsome, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 10 Will Harrison, 9 Mitch Short, 8 Will Harris, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons (c), 4 Ned Hanigan, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Robbie Abel, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16 Tom Horton, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Michael Mcdonald, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Tepai Moeroa.

Photo: Getty Images

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The Reds were on fire in the early stages of this fixture. They met the challenge of the Crusaders at the collisions and breakdowns. A fine offloading display allowed them to make inroads into the hosts’ defence and score two tries in the first half.

The halftime scoreline of 10-10 did not reflect the Reds’ dominance. The Crusaders were hanging on by their fingernails in the dying stages of the half, and a series of infringements led to Tom Sanders receiving a yellow card.

REPORT: Brumbies thrash Sunwolves

The reigning champions lifted their intensity in the early stages of the second stanza. George Bridge crossed the line while Sanders was still in the sin bin. The turning point arrived when the forwards and backs combined down the left-hand touchline to set up an important score for Leicester Faingaanuku.

Richie Mo’unga converted the try to take the Crusaders nine points clear of the Reds. Goal-kicking certainly cost the Reds on the day, with all four of their tries going unconverted.

The Reds broke from deep in their own half and Henry Speight beat the cover defence to score his side’s fourth try. Bryce Hegarty, the third goal-kicker used by the Reds on the night, pushed the conversion attempt wide.

The Crusaders hung on at the death to deny the plucky Reds victory.

Crusaders – Tries: Joe Moody, George Bridge, Leicester Faingaanuku. Conversions: Richie Mo’unga (3). Penalty: Mo’unga.
Reds – Tries: Chris Feauai-Sautia, Harry Wilson, Taniela Tupou, Henry Speight.

Crusaders – 15 George Bridge, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Ere Enari, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Manasa Mataele.

Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Isaac Lucas, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (c), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith.
Subs: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

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The final scoreline may suggest otherwise, but the Sharks were made to fight tooth and nail for the result in Brisbane. That they were able to lift their levels of physicality in the closing stages of a four-week tour said a lot for the team’s culture and fitness levels.

Sean Everitt’s charges have scored wins against the Highlanders, Rebels and Reds over the past month in Australasia. One would expect the Sharks to capitalise on a fine start to the campaign and push for a home playoff from here.

The Sharks’ consistency at the breakdown and at the set pieces left a lot to be desired in the first half. The Reds were even more erratic in these areas, though.

Had the hosts been more accurate, and had they not botched so many chances in the Sharks 22, they would have gone to the break with a more significant lead than 11-8.

ALSO READ: Waratahs slay erratic Lions

The Sharks didn’t panic. Their forwards fired early in the second stanza to set the platform for a fine try.

Lukhanyo Am took a great option down the left-hand side to make inroads into the Reds defence. From there, Sikhumbuzo Notshe – who continues to fire with ball in hand – took the visitors forward. Dylan Richardson was awake to an opportunity from a subsequent phase, and darted over the tryline.

What separated the two teams in the latter stages was a renewed effort by the Sharks forwards and the goal-kicking of Curwin Bosch. The Sharks flyhalf booted two long-range penalties to take the visitors out to a five-point lead with less than 20 minutes left.

The Sharks defence was tested as the game raced toward a climax. Taniela Tupou thought that he’d scored for the hosts, but a review showed that the big prop had been held up short before he stretched for the line.

Just as it appeared as if the Reds were making headway, Am intercepted a flat pass and raced away to score. Madosh Tambwe crossed the line at the death to put the final nail in the Reds’ coffin.

Reds – Tries: Henry Speight, Tate McDermott, Ed Craig. Conversion: Jock Campbell. Penalties: Campbell (2).
Sharks – Tries: Kerron van Vuuren, Dylan Richardson, Lukhanyo Am, Madosh Tambwe. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalties: Bosch (3).

Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (c), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith. Subs: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Scott Malolua, 22 Isaac Lucas, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Jeremy Ward.

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Am sat out last week due to Springbok player workload protocols and this weekend it’s the turn of wing Makazole Mapimpi, together with Tyler Paul and James Venter.

Dylan Richardson and Henco Venter both get their first starts in the loose trio after both were used from the bench in the opening fixtures.

In the final two changes, Lwazi Mvovo takes over from Mapimpi and Am is back in place of Jeremy Ward, who drops to the bench.

SUPER RUGBY TEAMS (ROUND 5)

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Jeremy Ward.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports

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The Lions and Reds came into this encounter on the hunt for a maiden victory this season after suffering defeats in the opening round.

The game itself was played in a weird fashion. The Reds clearly had the ascendancy at the set pieces, while the Lions dominated territory and possession, but neither side managed to outright control the match.

It was a see-saw contest in the first half, as the teams reached the 15th-minute mark locked at 10-10. Wing Tyrone Green scored two unconverted tries in the right and left corners of the field, while the Reds got their points via a fortuitous try and a penalty.

The Lions’ struggles at the set phases cost them and after conceding yet another scrum penalty, this time within kicking range, fullback Bryce Hegarty knocked over a second penalty to put the visitors in front.

On their part, the Lions had plenty of scoring opportunities, but staunch Reds defence kept them at bay. But somehow, right on the stroke of half time, the Lions managed to hang on to the ball at a lineout and Marnus Schoeman stormed over. Captain Elton Jantjies landed the conversion for a 17-13 lead at the break.

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In an exciting battle, Australia’s two flyhalfves from last year’s Junior World Championship, Noah Lolesio from the Brumbies and Isaac Lucas from the Reds, went head-to-head.

The home side got off to a cracking start after some quick hands by captain Allan Alaalatoa sent centre Irae Simone over right next to the uprights for the first five-pointer.

After absorbing early forward dominance from the Brumbies, the Reds responded well through a try by former Brumbies winger Henry Speight and a penalty by Bryce Hegarty.

The fullback then opened up a ten-point gap between the two teams when he dived over on the stroke of half-time after a sustained period of pressure that saw the Reds go into the break with a 17-7 lead.

READ: Chiefs win Eden Park thriller

Tom Wright and Folau Fainga’a drew the Brumbies level again in the second half after two well worked tries as their forwards swung the momentum back in their favour with 20 minutes left to play.

And the Brumbies eventually took the lead again after some silky footwork saw fullback Tom Banks go in under the post for a converted try. A further Lolesio penalty saw the Brumbies take a 27-17 lead heading into the final four minutes of the match.

But the team from Queensland wasn’t going to go down without a fight and after a strong carry from James O’Connor, eighthman Harry Wilson bashed over under the poles to ensure a grandstand finish.

After some good field position the Reds had an opportunity to get into the Brumbies’ 22, but replacement Moses Sorovi knocked on from the base of the ruck as the Brumbies hung on for a three-point victory.

Brumbies – Tries: Irae Simone, Tom Wright, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Banks Conversions: Noah Lolesio (2). Penalty: Noah Lolesio
Reds – Tries: Henry Speight, Bryce Hegarty, Harry Wilson Conversion: Bryce Hegarty (3). Penalty: Bryce Hegarty

Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Tom Wright, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Tom Cusack, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Murray Douglas, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (C), 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio. Subs: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Harry Lloyd, 18 James Slipper, 19 Caderyn Neville, 20 Will Miller, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Andy Muirhead

Reds: 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 James O’Connor, 11, Henry Speight, 10 Isaac Lucas, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (C), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 JP Smith. Subs:  16 Alex Mafi, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Feao Fotuaika, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Hunter Paisami

Photo: Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

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It wasn’t the most exciting game ever, but this cross-conference clash wasn’t short of action as the Blues and Reds combined to score eight tries at Suncorp Stadium.

Higginbotham scored a brace for the hosts, while fullback Bryce Hegarty contributed 14 points via a try, three conversions and a penalty.

Augustine Pulu also bagged a double for the Blues, but the performance of Ma’a Nonu in particular stood out. The veteran centre was a rock in defence and solid on attack, especially in the first half when he went on a devastating run straight through the Reds defence to set up Pulu’s first try.

The New Zealand side took a 14-point lead early on and looked set to runaway with it on the scoreboard. But the Reds did well to claw their way back into the contest to trail by 21-15 at the break. Higginbotham got one of the Reds’ tries  to become the first forward to score 40 tries in Super Rugby.

The hosts made a blistering start to the second half with Hegarty crashing over for a self-converted try that put his side in front for the first time. But their joy was short lived as the Blues hit back quickly on the back of a penalty. Their forwards bust holes towards the line before Pulu jumps from the back of the ruck over the line to back the visitors back in the ascendancy.

But the Reds kept pounding away at the Blues’ line at the end and while the visitors initially did well to withstand the attack, the pressure eventually took it’s toll as Higginbotham found space out wide to run in his second and more importantly, the match-deciding try which Hegarty converted.

Reds – Tries: Scott Higginbotham (2), Taniela Tupou, Bryce Hegarty. Conversion: Hegarty (3). Penalty: Hegarty.
Blues – Tries: Blake Gibson, Taniela Tele’a, Augustine Pulu (2). Conversions: Otere Black (4).

Reds – 15 Bryce Hegarty, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 12 Samu Kerevi (c), 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Matt McGahan, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith.
Subs: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Gav Luka, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Duncan Paia’aua, 23 Hamish Stewart.

Blues –15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Tanielu Tele’a, 10 Otere Black, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson (c), 6 Dalton Papalii, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 James Parsons, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Subs: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Marcel Renata, 18 Lua Li, 19 Tom Robinson, 20 Josh Goodhue, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Levi Aumua.

Photo: @rugbycomau/Twitter

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The win sees the Chiefs snap a three-game losing streak against the Reds in Hamilton to move from the bottom of the Kiwi conference log, above the Blues into fourth position.

As for the Reds, they remain rooted in fourth spot in the Australian conference despite playing a game more than the Brumbies, Rebels and Waratahs.

It was by no means a great game, but the Chiefs will be happy with the defensive effort they put in while under sustained pressure from the Reds. 

Meanwhile, the performance of Sam Cane will no doubt have pleased the All Blacks selectors and in particular coach Steve Hansen. In his first start since suffering a career-threatening neck fracture against the Springboks in October last year, Cane ran four metres, made four carries, completed six passes, made one offload, beat one defender, made nine tackles and pulled off a lineout steal during his 49-minute shift.

In a lively start to the game, the TMO had ruled out two tries – one either way – before the Chiefs seized control with two tries, by No Pita Sowakula and Atu Moli, against the run of play to take a handy 12-6 lead.

Sowakula the bulldozer! Tune into @SKYSportNZ to see if the Reds can shut down the rampaging No.8 in the second half!#CHIvRED pic.twitter.com/Fp5U7xAJb5

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) May 24, 2019

At that point, the Reds would have been wondering how they trailing. In two contrasting efforts, the Reds dominated possession and build multiple phases multiple times but failed to finish off their chances. The Chiefs on the other hand, were well deprived of sustained spells of possession, but when they did get the ball their execution was spot on.

And it was that clinical streak that saw the hosts finish the half strongly with a third try just before the break for a 19-6 lead.

The second half was a closely fought affair, with the Reds applying all the pressure, while the Chiefs were forced to defend tirelessly. After tighthead prop Taniela Tupou had eventually surged over for the Reds’ first try and Byce Hegarty knocked over the conversion, the game was nicely poised heading into the last 15 minutes.

The Reds forced a number of penalties late in the game and set a lineout every time, but in the end a monumental defensive effort, which resulted in a grand total of 241 tackles, saw the Chiefs come away with a stirring victory.

Chiefs – Tries: Pita Gus Sowakula, Atu Moli, Etene Nanai-Seturo. Conversions: Marty McKenzie (2).
Reds – Try: Taniela Tupou. Conversion: Bryce Hegarty. Penalties: Hegarty (2).

Chiefs – 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (c), 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Sam Cane, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Jesse Parete, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Atu Moli.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukeiaho, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Mitchell Jacobson, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Sean Wainui.

Reds – 15 Matt McGahan, 14 Jock Campbell, 13 Seb Wileman, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Sefa Naivalu, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Liam Wright, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Izack Rodda (c), 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Harry Hoopert.
Subs: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Feao Fotuaika, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Caleb Timu, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Liam MacNamara.

Photo: @ChiefsRugby/Twitter

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