For just the second match of the season, the lead up to the Reds v Force match at Suncorp Stadium drew an incredible amount of public and media attention. As Cyclone Marcia focussed in on South East Queensland the actual liklihood of the game going on was questioned.  Then there was the other storm around the developing Karmichael Hunt situation.  As it turned out, the game would go ahead without Hunt.

For the Force it was an opportunity to leap to the top of the Australian conference as the only undefeated team. Having had the wood over the Reds for the last couple of years, the boys from the west would have entered the game full of confidence.

The Match

First Half

 The Reds started the matches with changes aplenty in their backline from the one named earlier in the week. Hunt’s absence was made worse by the late pull-out of another star signing in James O’Connor, to be replaced at 10 by utility back Nick Frisby.

The Force suffered their own injury blow not long into the game as prop Francois Van Wyk came on with a shoulder injury after a collapsed scrum. As one could expect the game took a while to find its flow and, after soaking up some early Force pressure, the Reds were first to score points through a penalty goal by the back up, back up, back up kicker, Lachlan Turner.  Another Turner goal soon after, was nullified by Force flyhalf, Sias Ebersohn and fears that the game would only features scores of a multiple of three were beginning to rise.

The Reds however turned their back on a couple of three point shots to try their trial proven success at the driving maul from a lineout.  Their advances didn’t prove fruitful as the Force were able to hold their defensive line, despite being reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to replacement prop Heiberg. The prop attrition rate (prop-trition?) continued to rise as Reds skipper James Slipper was soon replaced after a head knock with Benny Daley coming on to the field.

The first try of the match would not come until the shadows of the first half when the Reds backline kicked into action. Chris Kuridrani attacked from a Force kicked, taking his chance on the outside of the Force defense. His backline mates were their in support in a fantastic team try as Feauai-Sautia and Kerevi eventually set Lachie Turner away for the try, finished with a Latham-like bump off of Luke Morahan.

The Reds would enter the sheds at the break with a 11-6 lead and a heap of confidence.

Second Half

The second half openned up for both teams as Morahan, and then Feauai-Sautia had chances for their respective teams.  In the aftermath of the CFS challenge, Turner’s attempt at goal would hit the post however Lachie was the only man chasing. Repeated Reds scrums had the Force under constant pressure and Feauai-Sautia would soon cross for a try from a delightfully flat Nick Frisby pass. Unfortunately one man’s “delightfully flat” is another man’s “forward pass” and the try was disallowed by that man George Ayoub, as TMO.

But the Reds scrum wouldn’t let up and a powerful tight head evolved into a deserving penalty try which was promptly converted by Lachie Turner.  The Reds scrummaged their Force counterparts into the ground, in a night that props were interchanged like they were playing league. 

The try would not, however, open any floodgates as the game descended into a more dour scrap. The loyal crowd of 14,199 turned up, largely to support their beloved Reds after a challenging preparation, were ultimately rewarded with the first Reds win of the season by the tune of 18-6.

While the match, nor the performances, wasn’t enough to set hearts racing it should be enough relieve some of the pressure on the underseige team. Given two late pull-outs in key positions, within the 24 hours prior to the game, it was an admirable win by Queensland.

For the Force they will be disappointed in their inability to put any form of sustained pressure on this Reds outfit and the Aussie conference stands at one win apiece for all sides at the completion of their Round 2 matches.

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The Game Changer

The first try of the match, to fullback Lachie Turner, but sparked by rookie winger Chris Kuridrani really changed the nature of the match. A bare-faced grind previously, this bit of sparkle before the break meant the Reds ended the half not only with the lead, but with a healthy dose of much needed self-belief as well.
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The G&GR MOTM

The class of the former All Black, Adam Thomson, was evident from the start for the Reds. Given the late withdrawls in this game Thomson stamped himself as THE signing of the season for the Reds. A real everywhere man, Thomson was a constant presence in defence and attack and proved to be exactly the player the Reds were looking for in their backrow.[/one_third]
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Wallaby watch

Ben McCalman of the Force produced another encouraging game at Number 8 for his side, and was almost a lone-wolf for the Force. For the Reds young Tight Head Prop Sam Talakai produced another excellent scrummaging performance and backed it up with a strong loose game as well. With Aussie depth well and truly tested at Tight Head, Talakai is one that Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will be watching. Even if only as the Waratah coach.
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The Details

Crowd: 14,199

Score & Scorers

[one_half last=”no”]Queensland Reds: 18
Tries: Lachlan Turner, Penalty Try
Conversions: Lachlan Turner 1
Penalties: Lachlan Turner 2 [/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Western Force: 6
Penalties: Sias Ebersohn 2[/one_half]

Cards & citings

Yellow Card: Chris Heiberg (25th min)