Recap: Reds Surge To Top Spot in Super Rugby Pacific After Dramatic Round 7
Recap: Reds Surge To Top Spot in Super Rugby Pacific After Dramatic Round 7
The Queensland Reds claim top spot in Super Rugby Pacific with a 28-24 win over the Force. Moana Pasifika stun Crusaders, and Hurricanes dominate Waratahs.
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There is a new kingpin in Super Rugby Pacific, as the Queensland Reds surged to top spot on the overall table courtesy of a dramatic late victory over the Western Force in Brisbane.
Pulling a Houdini-style flourish, the Reds 28-24 victory was remarkably similar to their early-season victory over their Western rivals.
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Now sitting pretty atop the log, the Reds travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs next time out in what will be a straight shootout for top spot.
Elsewhere, Moana Pasifika pulled off the shock result of the round and perhaps the season with a comprehensive dismantling of the Crusaders in Christchurch. Stomping out their heavily favored hosts from the outset, Moana was full value for the victory.
Stealing the show was All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea, who powered over for a pair of tries that highlighted why many believe he is pound-for-pound the most powerful player in professional rugby.
Fly-half Patrick Pellegrini nailed six conversions, landed a penalty and finished off a superb counterattack try for arguably his best showing to date in the Moana shirt.
Prior to the two Saturday fixtures, there were a pair of cross Tasman showdowns, with one taking place either side of the sea.
In New Zealand, the Hurricanes took the Waratahs to the cleaners for a statement win in Wellington, 57-12.
Despite starting well and welcoming back star playmaker Joseph Sua’ali’I, the Tahs simply could not contain the power and pace of the Hurricanes.
Benefitting from a dominant performance by his pack scrumhalf, Cam Roigard orchestrated a near flawless attacking performance. Shifting the ball beautifully from the base of the ruck with 38 passes and dotting down for a try of his own, the All Blacks halfback was impervious.
Other notable performers were fullback Reuben Love, who looks to be finding his best form once again, which should see him add to his lone international cap this season. On the left wing, powerhouse finisher Kini Naholo had himself a day with three tries to once again highlight his finishing prowess.
Back in Australia, the action would be a lot tighter, with the Brumbies fending off the Highlanders 34-27 in a seesaw affair at GIO Stadium.
Leading with seven and a half minutes to go, the Highlanders were on for what would’ve been a big win in the context of their season. Instead, the Brumbies showed their championship credentials with two late tries to claim an unassailable lead.
Jamie Joseph’s side did get the last word with a late try that ensured they left Canberra with a losing bonus point, but it will be little consolation given the position they held in the dying embers of the match.
For the Brumbies, winger Corey Toole overcame a first-half yellow card to score the go-ahead try late in the contest.
The electric winger received a nice pass from fullback Tom Wright, before putting on some razzle dazzle to slip by the Highlanders defenders and dot down. Making 46 meters on six carries, with three line breaks and four defenders beaten, the former sevens star was dangerous when given any space in which to operate.
Laying the platform for the outside backs’ performance was center Len Ikitau, who did the hard yards for his side - 14 carries for 29 meters, beating two defenders and netting a try of his own.
Next up, Week 8 will have a full slate of games with the Brumbies on bye. North American rugby fans can catch all of the action live and on demand exclusively on FloRugby.
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