Well here we go again. We long suffering Reds fans have had our 2019 Super Rugby delayed by a first round bye. Was it just delaying the inevitable heartache or building the anticipation to an outstanding season? 80 minutes to find out……
The first half was a story of both teams have the same game plan. Kicking for terroritory and bombs were the order of the day. Why the Reds were thinking that kicking to the Highlander backs was a good idea I am still trying to work out, but I guess it didn’t cause as much pain as it could have.
Things were looking a bit grim for the Queenslanders in the 33rd minute when the Highlanders actually won one of their lineouts. Aaron Smith put Matt Faddes into a gap with a forward pass and the Highlanders were out to a 24 – 10 lead once Ben Smith went over.
The Reds had the last laugh of the half though, when Izaac Rodda spoiled yet another Highlanders line out and Samu Kerevi made great break down field. From the breakdown they put the ball through the hands of the backs, including a marginally flat (read forward) pass from Sefa Naivalu to Moses Sorovi who scored. Half time score was a close 24 – 17.
The best try for the game happened soon after the half time break. Although the Highlanders were the first to score, the Reds hit back a few minutes later. After getting close once, the Reds were forced back into their own 22 through a bunch of mistakes. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto hacked at a loose ball, which was then followed up by some Bryce Hegarty scoccer skills to get the ball back into the Highlander’s 22. As the Highlanders scrambled to get back on side, Sorovi & Stewart combined to put the ball into the giant mitts of Izaac Rodda who crashed over. That will make the highlight reel!
This lead into a period of time when both side made their fair share of mistakes. Some of the Highlanders looked a bit rattled by the passion and fire that was coming from the Reds forwards. The starting pack and the replacement forwards who made it onto the field worked bloody hard both in defence and attack. Feao Fotuaika topped off an outstanding debut with a dive over the line for his first Super Rugby try.
These teams always seem to playout close affairs and this was no different. The Highlanders held their nerve and managed to hold out a resurgent Reds to win 36 – 31.
I went into this game not expecting anything other than another drubbing of an Aussie side by a Kiwi side. How wrong I was. The Reds correspondents had a bit of a discussion during the week about the makeup of the team with an expectation that perhaps Hegarty woulf be named at 10 pushing Hamish Stewart into 15. Although this did not eventuate, Hegarty was the one calling the shots from the back. His boot was also good with a 5/5 performance.
I think that this game has just lit my fire again. COME ON REDS!
Match Turning Point
I am not sure that the Reds had the right game plan. Kicking to Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Tevita Li is not the most sensible of plans to have. It was just some excellent defence by the Reds and a few timely mistakes by the Highlanders that kept the Queenslanders in it.
GAGR MOTM
There is one man who had an absolutely IMMENSE game. That man was Izaac Rodda. Not only did he score a try, he worked hard in defence and ran some attacking lines that would look right a home in the backs. All of this a few days after his father passed away. My heart and best wishes go out to him.
Special mention to Jordan Petaia & Bryce Hegarty.
Wallaby Watch
There is a whole list of Reds that played like they had a gold jersey on the line. Jordan Petaia continued his good form (Ben Smith is going to be having some Petaia shaped nightmares this week.) As mentioned before, Rodda played his heart out. And who the hell is this Feao Futuaika bloke, and is he eligible?
PS The Smith boys are eligible! Confirmed just prior to the Chief’s trial a fortnight ago.
Stats
Reds
Tries: Feauai-Sautia, Sorovi, Rodda, Fotuaika
Conv: Hegarty (4/4)
Penalties: Hegarty (1/1)
Highlanders
Tries: Thompson, Frizzell (2), B Smith, Hunt
Conv: Ioane (4/5)
Penalties: Ioane (1/1)
