Australia’s hopes of two trans-Tasman wins in Super Round have been denied by a whisker, as the Hurricanes beat the Reds 38-33 in golden point at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
In a cracking, tit-for-tat clash where the margin was no greater than seven points at any time, Cam Roigard’s second try and some fantastic goal-line defence with Jordie Barrett sitting in the sin bin sent the match into extra time.
The Reds were pinned in their half for most of golden point, before Tom Lynagh sensed an opportunity to counter from a poor kick chase and managed to get Les Kiss’ side into the Hurricanes territory.
But a controversial penalty to the Hurricanes for failing to release swung the match, as Cormac Daly was pinged despite being tackle by replacement loose-forward Vevenu Lasaqa, who was not in an onside position when he initially made contact.
Unlike the wasteful Reds, the men from Wellington made it count from the resulting lineout off the penalty as Pisilio Tosi, the giant replacement tight-head prop, barged his way over out wide.
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Pasilio Tosi of the Hurricanes celebrates scoring the game’s winning try in golden point against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park, on March 03, 2024, in Melbourne. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Co-captain Liam Wright lamented the “moments” the Reds let slip following Barrett’s upgraded red card for a high shot on Jordie Petaia in the 56th minute that meant the Hurricanes were down to 14 men for 20 minutes.
“Credit to the Hurricanes, they fought really hard,” Wright said.
“With a man down they went to a really smart game-plan, kept putting us back in our corners and capitalised at the end there. I’ve got nothing but respect for them.
“I thought our boys showed a lot of heart tonight. We spoke about trying to get a little bit better. In certain areas we were. I thought our maul and scrum performed really well.
“You can’t fault the heart in this team, but we’ll have to lick our wounds and look at moments that cost us there.”
The Queensland Reds look dejected after losing in golden point to the Hurricanes at AAMI Park, on March 03, 2024, in Melbourne. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Kiss agreed the Reds missed too many chances during regular time.
“Yeah, that’s the story,” he said on Stan Sport. “I don’t think we lost it in the extra time, we didn’t win it in the 80. They’re a tough team to play.”
Not for the first time this weekend the Australians were caught on the hop by their New Zealand opponents, as Ruben Love scored in the fourth minute.
Harry Wilson helped give the Reds the lead soon after though, as the big No.8 dived over from close range.
The Hurricanes grabbed back the ascendency in the 24th minute, as winger Kini Naholo scored after some quick hands in the backline.
It was at that point the Reds’ forwards rolled up their sleeves, kept the ball tight and went to work. It paid dividends, as Zane Nonggorr crashed over from close range in the 32nd minute.
Four minutes later the Reds were in again, as Tate McDermott scored out wide. Tom Lynagh’s conversion gave the Reds a 19-12 lead.
But as is so often the case, the Hurricanes struck back right on the stroke of half-time as Roigard showcased his trying score sense to score under the sticks. It was a theme of the night that plagued the Reds.
A fortuitous bounce led to Josh Flook, who was excellent all afternoon in defence, to spot a hole and pin the ears back to score.
Love’s second try then levelled up the game once more at 26-all.
The match appeared to swing in the Reds’ favour when Barrett was shown an upgraded red card for making high contact on Petaia after failing to dip as the fullback charged back from taking a kick. It was an unfortunate moment for the All Blacks back, who was playing his 100th Super Rugby match.
It didn’t take long for Matt Faessler, who was once again very good, to strike.
But Roigard’s second six minutes later in the 65th minute helped level it up.
The Reds, who lost Petaia and star midfielder Hunter Paisami to concussions as well as Alex Hodgman to a first-half injury, had several chances to regain the lead but some strong defence from the Hurricanes frustrated them.
In the end, the Reds were forced to defend their line in the dying seconds.
Initially, they held on.
Finally, they cracked.
Andrew
Roar Rookie
Nowhere near a Datsun yet though.
bflp
Roar Rookie
You are so right. We all need perspective. Mine is - now having watched the replay as well as live is that there were at least 5 incorrect decisions. 4 went against the Reds and 1 the Canes. The last in Golden Point was particularly egregious as there were 2 reasons to penalise the Canes player which were not detected by the ref. I was a ref after playing. It is bloody difficult and means I am hopefully more balanced then some AND I suspect I made plenty of errors. Despite watching Rugby for over 50 years I seldom believe any error is a result of bias by the officials. Nonetheless errors of such magnitude impact results. Coaches and players are sanguine because they get fined if they say anything. And yes the Reds should have put the game away several times. I am not whinging - just making observations. The notion that you can come on and make comments about players but not other aspects of the game that significantly impact the result is absurd. My perspective. Cheers.
No Arms
Roar Rookie
NZ teams love to play thugby - only occasionally surpassed by heavily armed Saffa thugby - Aussies playing lightweight NRL style rugby have little chance - & when you can’t beat them you have to join them or really really really … I can’t really add enough realizing here get a lot better than this.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Petaia probably a big unit from get go and superstar. Jock 2nd grader and worked his way up through Club to must pick consistent A grader. I would put this down to being a late grower. But he’s 6’1” now and 91 kg and fast. His sister plays rugby for Queensland. He is a product of Inverell, NSW.
cs
Roar Guru
You might be right about the Wallabies. Not sure I even like thinking about the Wallabies. But he's always been good for us. I like Petaia as a Wallaby, but will leave the nervy-turn over his local form to you guys to sort out. It's perhaps interesting, relatedly perhaps, that Marky doesn't play as well locally as internationally (not that he plays poorly). Just observin'
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Yeah was a big fan- then he seemed to be ineffective, he really went straight from the NRC to Wallabies. Maybe too early for him- but very handy player now. It’s a pity more players don’t get more club time, Petaia another one who’s getting lost, perhaps from poor advice or coaching. Take Jocks head off and place it on Petaia- I think we need Dr Hfuhruhurr- probably can’t afford him now after Jones debacle.
cs
Roar Guru
Others have supported the theory. Wouldn't know myself. Gambling is the one vice I can't relate to.
cs
Roar Guru
You bring an outsider's perspective K, I dare say. For most Tah fans, or at least me and my mates, he's been a goodun since we laid eyes. Glad he's winning some applause.
Chester B
Roar Rookie
Petaia is overthinking his game. He is just a natural footballer but playing fullback seems to mess with his decision making. Suli really needs to learn to kick. Yes he is not picked for that but any player in the back 3 has to be able to do basic clearance kicks. Jock seemed a bit unsure of how to get in the game at wing and pushed some passes at critical points. Too many errors by the reds and these were just by the back 3.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
The NRC was interesting-Hanigan stood out but was probably picked to early, but is coming good now. Dempsey disappeared in the NRC, maybe because he thought it was beneath him -seemed disinterested- really only wanted to play with ball in hand. Kellaway stood out as well.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
So I write "Golden point" and you cant understand what Im referring to? Then after that you use the word sheesh????? :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Everyone had to be on the same page. Forwards trying to hammer down the left side, with Lynagh manoeuvreing into position.
cs
Roar Guru
Ned's always been good, just that he's getting better. As a player, he's what we used to call 'a goer'.
cs
Roar Guru
It's Golden Points, plural, anyhow. Sheesh. Is anything ever accurate anymore?
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
I need to rewatch it. Good pickup.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
I really believe they don’t even consider it. It’s a good thing to win a clutch game or just to build points. Lynagh’s dad was an expert.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Thanks Tim. Its showed up as a win in my round tipping but not in my total wins as yet. EG Ive had 9 wins but total shows as 8 wins.
Tim Miller
Editor
Hi guys, this has been fixed & correct points awarded for the weekend. Our tipping comp processor REALLY hates golden point!
Jimbo81
Roar Rookie
Campbell should start every game at 15 - Petaia can be dropped.
mjseesred
Roar Rookie
I agree. I also think both of them are trying to hard, thinking to much. There game looked forced and it led to mistakes.