The Queensland Reds scored two late tries to force a thrilling Super Point climax in Christchurch tonight before digesting a heartbreaking loss.
The best match of Super Round so far headed into extra time at 33-all against the Blues after an excellent late rally through tries by Tim Ryan and Louis Werchon.
The Reds defence held firm for 18 phases in the early minutes of extra time before the Auckland-based side knocked over the winning penalty goal for a 36-33 win via the boot of All Black Beauden Barrett.
The 10-try spectacle was a fitting contest for a packed house of more than 25,000 fans at One New Zealand Stadium where sellouts were declared on Friday and Saturday and again for Sunday’s final day of Super Round.
The Reds fought back from 21-7 down to lock the game at 21-all at half-time and, again, from 33-21 down to tie the scores.
“Credit to our fight in that game,” Reds captain Fraser McReight told Sky Sports post-match.
“We had belief (at 12-points down) and put ourselves in a great position but rugby doesn’t always go the way you want it.
“It’s been an excellent weekend with Super Round in Christchurch. We’ll head home, recover and put our all into the Brumbies.”
The Reds will regroup for a clash against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday night.
The Reds produced some outstanding tries in Christchurch with the pressure they applied, quick recycling of ball and sharp patterns of play.
Down 7-0 early, the Reds had a quick response when a flat pass from centre Hunter Paisami put Filipo Daugunu through the line. When a penalty was whistled, a Seru Uru quick tap carried the play forward and McReight completed a pick-and-go try.
The Blues jumped to a 21-7 lead before the Reds surged back by dominating the final 15 minutes leading into the break.
Standout lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto produced one of his powerful surges to get gainline momentum. The ball was spread to the right and fullback Jock Campbell popped a ball inside for a Harry Wilson try.
Salakaia-Loto made 11 charges and 17 tackles with his trademark physicality.
A sustained attack just before half-time involved multiple double-efforts from players until flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips spread the ball well so Campbell could run in the try.
The Blues made a stronger start to the second half but the Reds kept sparring. Halfback Kalani Thomas was denied a try close to the line and Ryan raced 30m across field to produce a superb try-saving tackle.
Entering the final six minutes, it still needed the Reds at their best to close a 33-21 gap.
Ryan dived over for a fine try after multiple players featured in the lead-up, including replacement winger Treyvon Pritchard, who flicked a backhanded pass.
Inside the final two minutes, the Reds won the ball and replacement flyhalf Ben Volavola kicked ahead deep into the Blues quarter. Ryan’s chase turned it into a penalty conceded by the Blues.
From the ensuing lineout, the Reds pressed and replacement halfback Werchon burrowed over beside the posts.
At 33-all, Super Round got a fitting Super Point finale with extra time.
Two-try Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan was awarded the Sellars Dixon Medal as Player of the Match. The medal honours Auckland's All Black George Sellars and Queensland's Billy Dixon, who both played rugby for their provinces and paid the ultimate sacrifice in World War 1 at the Battle Of Messines in 1917.
BLUES 36
Tries: Zarn Sullivan 2, Cole Forbes, Dalton Papali’i, Bradley Slater
Conversions: Beauden Barrett 4
Penalty goal: Beauden Barrett
Def
QUEENSLAND REDS 33
Tries: Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Louis Werchon
Conversions: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 3, Ben Volavola
Half-time: 21-all
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
