Queensland’s new Super Rugby era is off to a winning start after a thrilling come-from-behind 28-26 victory over the Sharks on Friday night.
It was far from champagne rugby from the Reds, who endured a horror start by conceding a try in the first minute but scrapped their way back into the match to ensure a memorable debut for coach Nick Stiles.
Wallabies powerhouse Samu Kerevi picked up from his sizzling form of last year with a double while reserve halfback James Tuttle delivered the winner with his first Super Rugby try in the 71st minute, capitalising on a surging run from centre Duncan Paia’aua.
The rousing fightback saved the blushes of returning five-eighth Quade Cooper, whose awful mistake led to Jean-Luc du Preez’s opener – which left the Reds reeling at 7-0 – and whose three-from-six kicking threatened to lose it for them.
Sharks playmaker Pat Lambie, meanwhile, nailed his first six shots on goal but missed the chance to win in for the South Africans in the 77th minute after Karmichael Hunt was yellow-carded for a high hit on Lwazi Mvovo.
It was the second sin-binning of the night for Queensland, with Kane Douglas also punished for tackling Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira around the neck midway through the second half.
While Douglas was off, the Sharks went 24-18 ahead through Tera Mtembu but the Reds persisted, replied with Kerevi’s second try and showed great character to snatch the result at the end.
A crowd of 15,015 fans were on hand at Suncorp Stadium to catch their first glimpse of recruits Cooper, Stephen Moore, Scott Higginbotham and George Smith.
However, the Reds clearly remain a work in progress.
Handling errors and poor decision-making undid much of their good attacking work, with the Sharks’ desperate scramble defence also snuffing out a series of chances in the first half.
neil
Guest
Garbage Kev. Simmons has no penetration unless there are other people pushing him along. He has no leg drive in a run - usually gets pushed back if he is by himself. He is just a waste of space. If he couldn’t jump in the line out, he would be back to club rugby. Fortunately, the Reds have enough talent coming through to take his place so I have little doubt 2017, or worst case 2018, will be his last playing season. We certainly don’t need him in the Wallabies.
DOUBLES
Guest
Half of silver sections 331 and 332 were empty..They wont be empty next week as half of the kiwis in Brisbane will be putting on their brand new Crusaders jersey.. We all know un zudders who live in oz have 6 different jerseys in their wardrobe, as per below hahahahahaha ALL BLECKS Crusaders Chiefs Hurricanes Highlanders Blues
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
:)
DOUBLES
Guest
Stop the Jibba Jabba, Jibba Jabba ..hahaha
DOUBLES
Guest
Without Quade we would not have won that game,, McIntyre and Frisby combo wouldn't have won that game.. Case closed..
Maroon Kev
Guest
But he ran for 5m per run buddy!!!
DOUBLES
Guest
Frisby is a massive weak link as ive said previously...I wanted to jump the fence and tell him to stop being so pathetic at his core roles...Actually all section 332 wanted to jump the fence and throttle him...
neil
Guest
Simmons was his usual woeful self. Without doubt the worst ball carrying lock in SR, covered by some great form from all the loosies, including Higgers which was not what I expected having been cruising in Japan for so long. Frisby - no need to say more. He has always been just above average.
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Another inane comment from zg
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
You is the child.
Akari
Roar Rookie
They'll only get better, RobC. I thought the Sharks put up stiffer opposition than I expected and credit to both teams for playing positive rugby.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Nah. The WBs captain is a must and 1st pick in all games. Ready must establish himself and show why it is imperative for him to make the run-on side. Ready didn't last night even if it was a 1st game. Time is on his side however and can within the next month or so.
RobC
Roar Guru
Four tries by the Reds. Against the Sharks. Good start in my books, especially when compared to the last few years. Let's see next week
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yeah that's no only weird, it's unlawful misleading and deceptive conduct.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yeah that's fair enough. As long as they look like they're having a crack. The Moondogs just got pasted by the Sadists but they played to the end. And their fans appreciated it.
Zero Gain
Guest
Exactly, it's a reflection of their sad lives.
Zero Gain
Guest
Every win for the Reds is 'lucky' according to you.
Zero Gain
Guest
Yeah, clearly, that is why the referee directly in line with it and the touch judge called it as ok. Who is the child?
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Good man ! Should not get into downing a player in the first game of the season. Just accept he is the best option Qld. have in the position. Leave the coaching staff to work on defects that apparently exist.
William Tell
Guest
Big mystery - tried to buy tickets on Thursday only to be told there were only gold tickets left. Turned up to see ranks of seats unoccupied. Spent the second half in some nearby platinum seats - mainly to avoid a consumptive neighbour with no handkershief manners. What is the go with the ticket agency telling evident porkies about available seating?