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The Queensland Reds have copped their fifth Super Rugby loss in a row, a gallant 34-15 defeat to the Hurricanes.
A bloodbath looked on the cards after two early tries to the reigning champions, who were slick and confident in Saturday night’s opening exchanges.
However the Reds, courtesy of a yellow card to Ngani Laumape and some stunning improvisation from Scott Higginbotham, were able to stem the bleeding and go to half-time just two points behind.
But despite patches of impressive off-the-cuff play, they simply couldn’t put their nose in front – even as the Hurricanes incredibly had three potential tries of their own chalked off by television match official Damien Mitchelmore in the second half.
Late tries to Jordie and Beauden Barrett sealed the deal for the Wellington outfit in front of 17,439 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
The Hurricanes took a commanding 14-0 lead after tries Julian Savea and TJ Perenara.
The latter was particularly deflating for the Reds as the All Blacks halfback scooted away for an 80m intercept try, pouncing on Jake McIntyre’s telegraphed short ball to Chris Kuridrani.
The margin looked set to blow out to 19-0 in the 24th minute, when Beauden Barrett kicked along a spilled Reds ball, won a 35m race to it with James Tuttle and seemingly touched down for the Wellington outfit’s third try.
But in a huge momentum switch, not only was it disallowed on video review, referee Angus Gardner sent inside centre Laumape to the sin bin for a charge on McIntyre.
With the Hurricanes down to 14 men, Higginbotham brilliantly set up Chris Kuridrani with an over-the-top offload for Queensland’s first points.
He then backed it up with an outrageous behind-the-back flick to Eto Nabuli before getting it back to score himself five minutes from the break.
The Hurricanes replied through Vince Aso to give themselves more breathing space at 19-12 but struggled to put away the Reds, who hung in doggedly until the late salvo from the Barrett brothers, put the result beyond doubt.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.