The Queensland Reds have hung on to secure a 31–25 victory against the Brumbies and in the process end a 12-match losing streak against the Canberra side.
Off the back of a superb kicking display by Quade Cooper the Reds dominated the breakdown area and took their chances, despite conceding four tries to their one. Cooper’s trusty boot netted 26 points, including a record 7 penalties, while his counterpart Matt Giteau had a wayward night off the tee.
The Brumbies were guilty of ill-discipline, again costing them a possible win. Referee Mark Lawrence was making his mark with any infringements, particularly around the ruck. These problems are becoming an unwanted feature of their play this season – which some are already writing off after the turbulent week that saw the sacking of head coach Andy Friend. It appeared that even the pressure of the week was getting to their mascot, who managed to fall in a hole and needed to be escorted off the field by his strapper. (Update: Brumby Jack will be spelled to overcome a sprain on his nearside ankle.)
The Reds, on the other hand, managed to scramble well in defence, including during a frantic last few minutes that could have seen the home side steal the win. The Reds could easily have lost their way during the game, with Ben Daley yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle and blood bin issues for Saia Faingaa (whose modeling career is in doubt after receiving stitches) and Leroy Houston, but they toughed it out and kept their nose in front on the scoreboard throughout the match despite having less possession.
Reds captain Will Genia operated behind a pack that was starting to go forward, laying the platform for Quade Cooper and the rest of the Reds backline to finally work in the space they’ve been lacking to date. Genia’s smart kicking game with little chips into space helped to settle his team, which had been underperforming this season.
After the match Brumbies captain Matt Giteau lamented his side’s discipline problems and the cheap points they gave away to the Reds. It was another piece of unwanted history for the second week in a row, and the six-day turnaround before a trip to Nelson won’t do them any favours as they try to get their season back on track against a resurgent Crusaders outfit.
For the Reds, coach Ewen MacKenzie was happy with his team’s performance after last week’s display. He was pleased they took the points on offer when other options could have been taken, showing the composure and patience that had been lacking in their previous matches. The Reds will have the week off with the bye before taking on the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane.
Queensland Reds 31 – Higginbotham try, Cooper con, 7 pens, 1 drop goal def Brumbies 25 – Moore, McCabe, Vaea, Alexander tries, Giteau con, pen.
Wallaby Watch:
Put his hand up: Quade Cooper – An outstanding goalkicking display to give his side a historic win.
Did himself no favours: Salesi Ma’afu – Needs to sort his discipline issues after being sucked in for some unnecessary niggle again.
Bolter Watch: Scott Higginbotham – Looked at home on the blindside of the scrum and even snagged a try to get his team on the front foot.
