It has been a really close match up to watch that changed everything for both teams after full-time. We saw some great competition during the first half with the Chiefs off to a great start, while the Reds fought back with two tries of their own that both teams level the scoresheets at the break (12-12). Going into the second half, Reds continued to score another 1-2 tries; However, the Chiefs never gave up where they scored a penalty goal + another TRY later on with 7 mins to go. In the end though, the Reds fought one back through a three-point penalty goal once more going into the full-time hooter, and they’ve put in such a scrambled defense against a threatening Chiefs side where it was enough to leave Yarrow Stadium with the win & end their unbeaten winning streak of 2023. The final score was 22-25.
It’s been a great run but the Chiefs unbeaten hoodoo of 2023 has now came to an end after 10 rounds. However, it doesn’t mean their season is over just yet with three regular games to go + another 2-3 Playoffs games if they want to lift the Super Rugby trophy this year. Their first half performance wasn’t bad with back-to-back tries thanks to some sensational finishing from Etene Nanai-Seturo on the left wing at No.11. But what really hurts them with the three-point loss tonight was some inconsistent finishing play in the 2nd half – nothing more apart from winning penalties/advantages before more pressure began to pile on them towards the final hooter & sadly it was too much to escape really when the game was won by the Reds. The Chiefs’ next match this time over at FMG Stadium in Hamilton is on Saturday night against the Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, it’s great to see the Reds win away from home in New Zealand for the first time in a decade also against the Chiefs during that time – 23-31. They showed terrific fightback that not only helped the Reds get the ball rolling, but they also levelled with the runaway leaders at half-time. Then the Reds were able to build on the momentum with another 1-2 tries + a late three-penalty goal before they put in a good defensive shift towards the end where it was enough to take away for the win. What a night that is for the Queensland supporters watching from home, as well as some who were also travelling to the game for their mighty Reds team over at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth. Now all they have to do is to improve their finishing play, particularly when playing the top teams like the Blues next up at Suncorp Stadium next Friday.
