Reds hold on for valuable win
6 Jul 2012
NICK PAWSON watched the defending Super Rugby champions resist a late fightback from the Highlanders to clinch a 19-13 win in Brisbane.
A tightly-contested first half (6-3 at half-time in favour of the Reds) yielded elements of desperation from both teams. The Reds were after maximum points, as were the Highlanders as they both went into this match with outside chances of making the play-offs.
For the Highlanders, that dream is now over. But they only have themselves to blame. It was a match when nuances in possession, territorial gain and goal-kicking accuracy would be decisive and in the first half the home side led those stats, if only marginally.
Backs Quade Cooper and Chris F’Sautia both threatened to score if it weren’t for over-eagerness and a pulled hamstring respectively. As many expected, the game was reduced to a war of attrition.
Half-time replacements Aaron Smith and Radike Samo promised to provide more of a spectacle, but they were merely thrown into the mire. Further tackle infringements from the visitors helped the Reds stretch their lead to 9-3 with 30 minutes left on the clock.
Finally, sustained pressure and some quick ball from the hosts sent James Slipper over in the corner for the first try of the contest. Converted, the Reds finally looked in control at 16-3. But the Highlanders retaliated with a similarly-constructed try of their own, with All Black loosie Adam Thomson getting the honours.
The Highlanders were back in the hunt after grinding out another try, this time replacement Chris King touching down. The visitors camped on the Reds’ tryline in the dying minutes but the hosts did well to stave off a last-minute defeat and get themselves into a play-off spot on the overall log.
22 Comments
6 Jul 2012, 11:27 am
Looking forward to this one. Reds a different team with Cooper at pivot and the Highlanders have been consistently entertaining this season.
6 Jul 2012, 11:34 am
Go the Rooies
6 Jul 2012, 11:40 am
Reds got cool jerseys
6 Jul 2012, 11:41 am
What the heck is this ***** talking about?
6 Jul 2012, 11:42 am
Should have spoken in her mother tongue.
6 Jul 2012, 11:45 am
I think they were unsure if it was to be a traditional speech, an educational speech or a make it up as you go speech ….. so they went for all three, combined
6 Jul 2012, 11:46 am
Most of the Queenslanders I have met would prefer they were all shot. It’s a redneck thing
6 Jul 2012, 11:48 am
http://www.vipbox.tv/watch/59040/4/super-rugby—highlanders-vs-reds-live-stream-online.html
6 Jul 2012, 11:58 am
How was that not advantage over for Highlanders?
6 Jul 2012, 12:01 pm
Kaplan already sucking in the big ones with 65 min to go.
6 Jul 2012, 12:03 pm
How is Higginbotham playing?
6 Jul 2012, 12:06 pm
The crowd is working itself into a frenzy against Kaplan.
6 Jul 2012, 13:34 pm
Yes James Slipper! Fantasy rugby points!
6 Jul 2012, 13:37 pm
Was stupid to bet on the Landers… damn.
Well I must say this is not encouraging for us in South Africa.
The Reds seem to be grinding out victories and building some serious confidence. Add the fact that Quade is back and things are looking surprisingly good for them. Pity about Horwill though, big loss.
6 Jul 2012, 14:16 pm
Sharks’ chances to reach the playoff looking slim now.
6 Jul 2012, 14:47 pm
And will be reduced to zero in a few hours’ time…
6 Jul 2012, 14:50 pm
don’t worry about brycey,kaplan no idea,must have left his Y/Cs in the change room,gifted the reds that game.
6 Jul 2012, 14:55 pm
@BrumbiesBoy(BrumbiesBoy)-16:
6 Jul 2012, 15:09 pm
@BrumbiesBoy(BrumbiesBoy)-16: Think so too.
6 Jul 2012, 15:10 pm
@Sharksgirl(Sharksgirl)-18: Good luck tonite. I hope you guys make it!
6 Jul 2012, 15:33 pm
@Bagel(Bagel)-14:
The Reds are the team I would most like to face in the Semis, maybe with the exception of the Brumbies.
6 Jul 2012, 16:33 pm
@wpjoulekkading(wpjoulekkading)-21: What? Surely the Bulls? We’ve already beaten them twice already
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