Reds end 11-game losing streak against Waratahs in Super Rugby AU opener
Queensland Reds have ended an 11-game losing streak against the NSW Waratahs, defying a second-half comeback to win 32-26 in Super Rugby AU's Friday night launch.
The Reds cruised to a 19-7 lead but suddenly looked like the team that hadn't beaten their border rivals in seven years.
Crushed in scrums and without the sin-binned Angus Bell for 10 minutes, the Waratahs still found a way to collect regular points and finished the half behind by just six.
Eight minutes into the second half they led by four when Jack Maddocks streamed on to a Lachie Swinton pass and through a gaping hole.
Harry Wilson sniffed out a five-pointer in reply though, before Taniela Tupou was sent to the bin for taking out a kicker for the second time.
NSW half Will Harrison drilled an equaliser for the visitors but James O'Connor stepped up with a penalty of his own with three minutes to play.
The No.10 then repeated the dose on the buzzer to seal a four tries to two victory in front of 5590 fans.
Liam Wright and Fraser McReight combined well in their first start together in the backrow, while No.8 Wilson continued his strong pre-shutdown form.
Wright scored first and thought he had a second when he ran around the ruck to plant a loose ball in front of a sleeping Waratahs defence.
It was deemed offside though, as was a Tupou effort moments earlier as the Reds threatened to run away with the clash.
Tate McDermott darted in from a quick tap, while Filipo Daugunu crossed in the corner and Harry Johnson-Holmes burrowed over for the Waratahs' first-half try.
The visitors gave away 18 penalties to the Reds' nine, with tougher policing of the ruck and the novel 50-22 or 22-50 kicking rules both impacting play.
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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