Super Rugby Pacific Delivers Two High-Scoring Thrillers To Open Round 2
Super Rugby Pacific Delivers Two High-Scoring Thrillers To Open Round 2
Catch all the key moments from an action-packed Super Rugby Pacific clash, as top teams battle for early-season dominance in thrilling encounters.
The Queensland Reds kicked off their Super Rugby Pacific campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a high-scoring 56-36 victory over Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Despite a spirited fightback from the visitors, the Reds - boasting 13 Wallabies in their match-night squad - ran in eight tries to five in an electric contest that showcased their attacking firepower.
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The home side wasted no time asserting its dominance, racing to a commanding 21-0 lead within the first 12 minutes.
No.8 Seru Uru, filling in for the sidelined Liam Wright, set the tone with the opening try, before wingers Filipo Daugunu and Tim Ryan crossed in quick succession. Ryan’s finish marked his 10th try in as many games, keeping the 21-year-old firmly in the frame for Wallabies selection under coach Joe Schmidt.
Moana Pasifika, however, refused to fold.
Inspirational captain Ardie Savea led by example, scoring a crucial first-half try, before a William Havili penalty reduced the halftime deficit to 28-20.
The Reds were tested further in the second half, particularly when three players were shown yellow cards, allowing Moana to close the gap to just six points. But a quickfire double from locks Angus Blyth and Ryan Smith restored Queensland’s ascendancy, dashing any hopes of a Moana comeback.
First-choice Wallabies hooker Matt Faesler provided further impact off the bench, scoring off the back of a rolling maul to put the result beyond doubt. Despite six second-half tries being exchanged, the Reds never relinquished control, sealing their season-opening win in style.
Reds captain Tate McDermott praised his side’s resilience under pressure, emphasizing the importance of discipline in crucial moments.
“Look, when you’ve got a man down, you’ve got to simplify things,” McDermott said. “Discipline is key. Man on feet is key, and the boys did an excellent job with that.”
The Reds’ performance was even more impressive considering they were without former Wallabies skipper Liam Wright, who has been sidelined for over six months with a shoulder injury. Wright, however, is eyeing a return as early as next week.
“It’s been a tough journey, but I’m hoping to get some minutes next week,” Wright told Stan Sport.
Chiefs Defeat Crusaders 47-21
In other Super Rugby Pacific action, the Chiefs delivered an emphatic second-half performance to defeat the Crusaders, 47-21.
The match was evenly poised at 21-all, before the Chiefs ran in five unanswered tries, with Quinn Tupaea scoring twice in his 50th match for the club.
The Chiefs struck first through winger Emoni Narawa’s quick tap in the fourth minute, followed by a Damian McKenzie penalty to take an early 10-0 lead. However, their momentum was stunted by a series of injuries, with captain Luke Jacobson forced off with a broken nose, and center Rameka Poihipi following soon after with a painful knock.
The Crusaders took advantage of the disruption, finding their way back into the contest through debutant Kyle Preston, who latched onto a Cullen Grace break to score. Ethan Blackadder’s smart finish from a quick tap added to the Crusaders’ tally, and when James O’Connor slotted a penalty, the match was level at halftime.
However, the Chiefs dominated the second half, spurred on by a game-changing bench performance.
Leroy Carter ignited the scoring spree with a blistering run down the edge, leaving the Crusaders’ defense in his wake. Moments later, Samipeni Finau bulldozed his way over the line to extend the lead, before Josh Jacomb capitalized on a brilliant McKenzie break to all but seal the game.
Tupaea, celebrating his 50th game, capped off the performance with two tries in three minutes, ensuring the Chiefs finished in style. Antonio Shalfoon grabbed a late consolation try for the Crusaders, but by then, the damage was done.
The result sees the Chiefs head into their next match against the Brumbies full of confidence and sitting atop the ladder. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will use their bye week to regroup and recover from their growing injury list before a crucial matchup against the Queensland Reds in 16 days.
With an action-packed opening to Round 2, both the Reds and the Chiefs have made strong statements early in the season, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
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