Western Force have extended the woes of Super Rugby champions Queensland, thrashing the Reds 45-19 in Perth on Saturday and condemning them to a third straight loss.
Starting the game in last spot, the Force scored five tries to three against an injury-hit and out-of-sorts Queensland side clearly lacking confidence.
The Force scored the first 21 points and, subsequently, never led by less than 16.
Notorious for their final-quarter fadeouts, the hosts rattled up 17 straight points before winger Dom Shipperley notched Queensland’s final try in the closing seconds.
It was the first time Queensland have lost three in a row since 2009.
Reeling from successive losses in South Africa, where they lost 61-8 to the Bulls last weekend, Queensland had few answers to the relentless enthusiasm and forward grunt of the Force.
The Reds didn’t help themselves, committing several uncharacteristic errors which prevented them applying any sustained pressure. Tries to five-eighth James Stannard and lock Nathan Sharpe and a conversion and three penalties to fullback Dave Harvey rewarded the Force for their early dominance.
Impressive outside centre Nick Cummins set up Stannard’s five-pointer and Sharpe smashed his way over from close range following a run by outstanding halfback Brett Sheehan.
Queensland finally gained some momentum in the last five minutes of the half, with prop James Slipper barrelling his way over after the Reds opted against kicking for goal.
Queensland’s hopes of maintaining the momentum into the second half were cruelly crushed within four minutes of the restart.
Ben Seymour, who replaced the injured Stannard, crossed for the Force’s third try after Sheehan charged down a kick from Reds’ five-eighth Dallan Murphy.
Veteran lock Van Humphries ignited hopes of a Reds revival when he took a great pass from replacement prop Greg Holmes and scampered over the line, with Murphy converting.
There was no further score for 17 minutes, but a penalty to Harvey, who finished with 20 points from eight out of nine attempts, triggered a late Force surge.
Winger Samu Wara won the chase to a perfectly-weighted Seymour kick to score the Force’s bonus-point try.
A great break by the impressive Cummins resulted in a spectacular try to flanker Matt Hodgson.
Kane
Roar Guru
Well they do play opposite each other, with the exception of Quade they always line the other up on defense
Ben S
Roar Guru
10s don't play opposite each other. 10s play behind their pack. Big difference.
Kane
Roar Guru
But they weren't playing against the second best 10 in Perth either, they were playing against the best 10 in Australia and France
Ben S
Roar Guru
It didn't stop the All Blacks, but the All Blacks are a national side, and so weren't forced to pick the 4th best 10 in Wellington, for example. They just picked their 4th best 10.
mania
Guest
lol Kane.
Kane
Roar Guru
Didn't stop the All Blacks
levelheaded
Guest
Well done to the Force and O'Neill must be eating his words after he said all teams should take a page out of the Reds book - bloody hell wouldn't that be one hell of a good idea!!! It appears the bigger issue is the depth of talent in Australia, after a more than agressive first 6 rounds. Who is accountable for development, perhaps the loudest poitning the finger again. What is the best for of defence, offence and hopefully one day the politics will come second the game! Hat off to the Force and reckon the Brumbies will have a tough ask this weekend!
Uncle Eric
Guest
Seymour was impressive though.
Justin
Guest
PeterK - that is what I am saying, cheers. Lippy PK and I have had plenty of robust debate on here over a couple of years. We will accept other points of view even if we disagree but we generally back our opinion with an argument. By the way maybe try using an ;) or :) to show when you are being sarcastic. As I'm no Einstein it would make it easier for me ;)
Justin
Guest
No martyr here Lippy. I just don't take the line that players or coaches are guns win week and deserve the sack the next. You cannot rate on one match. I build my opinion on a bank of performances. If you don't think that is sane then then so be it. Perhaps I am confrontational on here but I see some ridiculous opinions and I like you are free to challenge those opinions and seek reasons why those opinions are held. The other posters are free to not respond. Some times sarcasm is the only way to keep me grounded with some on here. PS Lippy are you still on BF? I think I have the right fella, if you are a kiwi.
mania
Guest
yeah katipo, the worst rugby coaching job would be boks and England. Aus have got it easy
Ronnie88
Guest
At least Daley is getting back to his best, especially in defence, looks like he topped tackle count for whole game in first half, with no misses. It starts here in defence and the rest usually looks after itself.
granville
Guest
i enjoy the tough love on this wedsite....lol Happy Children Sunday peeps
Lippy
Guest
was a very good win. Look forward to the day they actually start seriously competing for the series title. Small steps first and Tokyo was a good start. One thing I love about seven is the fact Aus made the final after losing to NZ in pool play who then lost to Samoa who in turn lost to Aus. Sevens is only going to get better and already this year we have seen standards rise again.
Lippy
Guest
if you believe this to be an attack then I'm amused. It is an observation PeterK don't try and turn this into a fight because I have no interest in getting into one with you.
Lippy
Guest
From what I have seen Peter Justins approach is far from sane and rational he is confrontational and sarcastic towards those who have opposing opinions to him. It is an.opinion site so respect is a common courtesy that should be expected from everybody. I'm just fascinated by the tone and manner of his posts. I don't necessarily disagree with all of what he has to say but I do find his posting style to be aggressive and confrontational
Moreton Bait
Guest
Drowning my REDS sorrows with the distraction of celebrating the great Cup Final win by the young Aussies at Tokyo Sevens today! Well done to all and especially Mick O'Connor. Thought they played well in HK but without self belief. Took a step up today.
jeznez
Guest
Pete, mauling has to be something you like, I or four others in my team could teach the Wallabies and Waratahs a thing or two about mauling.
PeterK
Guest
I am not sure you got the point Justin was making. He was saying that people change their opinion as the wind blows every week. One week for someone next week against all based on just the latest performance, he used the term swing as in swing voter. Justin prefers to have a rational considered approach rather than froth and bubble. I agree with Justin in regards to this. Also in all the times Justin has disagreed (debated) with me I have never found him aggresive or over the top, unlike your attack of him in this post.
Damo
Guest
That report has already been posted, surely.