Watch: Jordan Petaia showcases AFL-style aerial theatrics to score screamer against the Brumbies
Jordan Petaia has been compared to a late All Blacks great following the Reds come from behind 24-22 win over the Brumbies on Saturday.
The 21-year-old stood out in two moments of brilliance in particular, which helped the Reds claim the crucial victory.
Playing in front of the Brisbane crowd, the Brumbies rushed out to a 12-0 lead after just 16-minutes, with Folau Fainga’a and Tom Banks both scoring tries. Fainga’a scored after a driving maul, while Banks read a James O’Connor pass to perfection, intercepting it before running roughly 70 metres to score.
While two James O’Connor penalties helped bring the Reds back to within a converted try of the lead, a long-range Nic White penalty saw the visitors lead 15-6 at the break.
10 minutes into the second half, Reds centre Josh Flook crossed for his first Super Rugby try, with quite an incredible effort. Getting the ball just inside the Brumbies 22, the former Australian Schools and U18 captain bumped off winger Andy Muirhead, before beating two Brumbies defenders to the line with his pace.
With the Brumbies hitting back shortly after through a Tom Wright try, it seemed as if it was getting to now or never territory for the Reds.
In the 63rd minute, with the hosts down 13-22, Jordan Petaia earned a cheer from the Brisbane crowd with a clever heads-up play. After getting the ball from a Noah Lolesio kick, Petaia managed to beat Wright with the boot, as he successfully found the sideline to kick a 50-22.
From the lineout that followed, the Reds set up a driving maul and soon were rewarded with a penalty advantage. Petaia played a part in getting the ball to Filipo Daugunu on the left-wing, before getting the ball himself soon after.
In the fifth phase following the lineout, Petaia went airborne, beating Tom Banks in the air to claim a James O’Connor kick. From there, he managed to get the ball down for the vital score.
While two James O’Connor penalties in the 69th and 76th minutes ultimately handed the hosts the win, it was Jordan Petaia’s heroics that seemed to have spurred the Reds on.
Following the match, coach Brad Thorn mentioned how Petaia and the late Jonah Lomu were similar.
“I just think he’s one of those special guys, they’re just good," Thorn said.
“There was a move in the All Blacks: pass the ball to Jonah because he’s good…Jordie, if you give a reasonable footy to him, he can beat defenders, or you put a kick up in the air and [there is a] good chance he’ll come down with it.”
Some fans on Twitter have also praised Petaia for his efforts in round eight, while also letting their opinions known on what they believe his position may be.
The Reds have locked in a home Super Rugby AU Grand Final for next month, after extending their undefeated record for this season against the Brumbies. They have a bye in round nine but will finish their regular season away to the Western Force on the 23rd of April.
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Think 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.
Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
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