The Queensland Reds did not have a great start. With the offside from Angus Blyth. As the Brumbies got the early three point penalty goal. Thanks to their patience going forward when they had the ball. Having starting first at kickoff.
Reds struggled to hold on defensively as well as going forward. Where Jordan Petaia fumbled. Before the Brumbies took advantage of the scrum. Made some run meters while the Reds unable to watch their discipline. And it gave Nic White some time to spread out wide towards the far right. With a great passage of play Folau Faingaa to Noah Lolesio. Before Andy Muirhead assisted Pete Samu for the finish. Brumbies 10-0 Reds after 7.
Still not progress turned around from the away side. They did win a penalty at one time. But unable to find some decoy runners in their attacking third. And it ultimately took a big hit. When the Brumbies cleared out towards the other end. Now Suliasi Vunivalu may have grounded. But the ref gave the scrum to the Brumbies. Where they were patient via two winning penalties. And Folau Faingaa handled the maul well that made the TRY.
The Brumbies however began to make up some discipline mistakes. Especially in the defense. Plus the fumble at one time when building the attack. As the home side seen their lead cut from 17-0. To two three-point penalty goals. With Brumbies 17-6 Reds & leads by 11 points after 23 mins.
And the Brumbies 2nd run decline in the 40 continues. With the Reds able to save off the opposition attacking threat. Due to the credit from Tate McDermott. Stayed patient with the penalty throw-in. Before finding some space towards the finish on the far right. As James O’Connor & Harry Wilson assisted Vunivalu with the touchdown. Reds now 11-17 Brumbies.
But Brumbies extended their lead with 5 mins before half-time. Unfortunately for the Reds James O’Connor fumbled after their clearout. Gave themselves a chance to crack in return with the scrum. And Nic White showed great patience to find that inside ball. Where Pete Samu scored his 2nd try that upped the Brumbies lead, 24-13. Although, the Reds added a late penalty goal to bring 16-24 at the break.
Reds again losing these penalties with the poor defense/fumbling. Having seen the Brumbies given another crack in the attack. That saw Folau Faingaa score his 2nd touchdown. As the Brumbies extend their lead to 31-16 after 47 mins. The away side did have their chances to reduce the Brumbies lead. But unable to execute with a lack of decoy runners.
Despite a big 15 point lead held against the Reds. The away team began to climb back. Where they showed plenty of patience going forward. And with the advantage. Reds able to touch one down thanks to their tighthead prop Taniela Tupou. They are now 8 points behind the Brumbies with just 17 minutes left to go.
And the Reds able to build on their consistency at last. With two penalties handed to the away team. Before they are just one point behind the Brumbies. Due to the credit coming from the scrum staying square. As Harry Wilson able to go down low to cross past the touchdown line. It is the Reds 30-31 Brumbies with 10 to go.
But the Brumbies have not finished their day just yet. When they had the ball on hand. And found some space on the right-hand side. Pete Samu able to find Issak Fines with the finish. Brumbies extended their lead from one to eight points. Just 7 minutes left on the clock. The Reds would need a converted TRY & drop goal. If they are to upset the Brumbies on their turf.
Reds again cut the Brumbies lead by just one point. After Rob Valentini fumbled the ball. Which saw James O’Connor added three points via the penalty goal. Then followed up with another touchdown this time from Jordan Petaia. Before O’Connor added the two extra points to the Reds out in front. And held out defensively in the end. Brumbies 38-40 Reds at FT.
