Job done: The Reds book a home play-off with bonus-point win
Related links
Teams
Also see
The Reds broke Brumbies' hearts after recording a 32-16 bonus-point win over the Waratahs that takes them top of the Australian conference and into the Super Rugby play-offs.
Everything went according to plan for the defending champions, who have kept their hopes of winning back-to-back titles alive.
First they needed the Brumbies to lose to the Blues by more than seven points, and then had to beat the 'Tahs by four tries for the first time since 2003 to sneak through the back door into the finals.
The Queenslanders did just that and more thanks to their five-try victory in Brisbane, which will now see them return to Suncorp Stadium next weekend for a home play-off.
However, the only setback suffered by the Reds was a yellow card shown to star playmaker Quade Cooper who could miss next week's knock-out clash after he was cited for his second-half high tackle on Berrick Barnes.
The forecast rain stayed away in Brisbane which meant tries were easier to come by as Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, James Slipper and Dom Shipperley touched down for the key scores before Will Genia added a flourish with the fifth.
The writing was on the wall for the Waratahs - and the Brumbies for that matter - when Digby Ioane made a break and put the visitors on the back foot within 90 seconds.
A faulty line-out from the Waratahs resulted in Gill and Genia combining to put Higginbotham over in the corner just four minutes into the match, as Mike Harris added the extras from far out.
Gill powered over for try number two in the 25th minute following a yellow card shown to Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan, but Harris was unable to add the conversion this time.
With two more tries required, the Reds were half-way to reaching their goal, but it was the Waratahs who grabbed the momentum going into the break after winger Drew Mitchell scored in his 100th Super Rugby match from a Bernard Foley grubber.
When Adam Ashley-Cooper followed up with a 40m drop-goal, it was 12-11 at half-time and anyone's game.
But the Reds lifted their home crowd's hopes with an opportunistic try to Slipper, after the prop snatched an over-throw at the back of a Waratahs line-out to dive over for the Queenslanders' third.
Shipperley scored their crucual fourth try in the 51st minute for a 24-11 lead after Mitchell spilled a poor Barnes pass, and the Reds speedster didn't need a second invitation.
Genia hammered the final nail in the Waratahs coffin, who managed to score a consolation try with Cooper in the bin. But it was too little too late.
The scorers:
For Reds:
Tries: Higginbotham, Gill, Slipper, Shipperley, Genia
Cons: Harris 2
Pen: Harris
For Waratahs:
Try: Mitchell
Pens: Foley
Drop: Ashley-Cooper
Yellow card: Cooper, 63mins (dangerous tackle)
Reds: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (c), 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Radike Samo, 19 Beau Robinson, 20 Jarrad Butler, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Ben Tapuai.
Waratahs: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Grayson Hart, 8 Dave Dennis, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson (c).
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Lopeti Timani, 19 Jono Jenkins, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Tom Carter, 22 Tom Kingston.
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Comments
7ton says...
peewee2
If you would have actually cared to do a bit of research you would have found that the S15 is certainly not the only comp in the world that awards Bonus points
Posted 07:03 21st July 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
peewee2, not sure what your point is...
Errr of course I'm sure they did profit from gate receipts duh. But gate receipts aside, the NZRU focussed on developing the game in Australia and inparticular Queensland and as a result of this (and NZs like of the region) many people in NZ like to see Queensland do well.. as I said to Trinats, of the Oz teams, it's the Reds I like to see succeed, largely because of the Kiwi input and influence in the region, not because they provided any gate revenue 25 years ago.
And based on my selective interpretation of the Super15 rules, I assume you mean that I feel Queensland didn't deserve a home semi for finishing 6th? You'd be correct. Bonus points have been there for 17 or whatever years and are consistent across the whole competition for every team, the conference system is new and selective and promotes a team unfairly whether or not they've had a good season. Like I have mentioned, it may favour a different conference in coming years but in reality a team which finishes 6th should not be hosting a semi-final against a team which finished higher, no matter where they are from.
Take the bonus points away and the order may have been different but the flawed conference system remains and could still throw up this anomoly whether bonus points are there or not. Bonus points are not the primary problem.
For eg, and I don't know if it's mathmatically possible, but if the 5 NZ teams finished 11th through 15th, the 11th placed team would still host a semi?
Anyway enjoy the matches, both home teams by 10.
Posted 22:34 19th July 2012
peewee2 says...
@ruckingkiwi
and when NZ sent teams to OZ in the 70s an 80s they also profited from the gate receipts so it was a win/win arrangement.
You appear to paint the scenario as a NZ benevolent society?
Posted 14:58 19th July 2012
peewee2 says...
PS
and my last comment is equally directed to
@ruckingkiwi
who also is very selective in his interpretation of the Super15 rules
again my observation is an obvious preparation of excuses for a possible defeat,
but let us all wait for some entertaining rugby and let the best team on the day win.
Posted 14:40 19th July 2012
Ramage says...
Hi Trinuts sorry you didn.t hear from me I wasn't hiding just spending some time with family on a farm I've bought in the Northern Rivers area of NSW. Unfortunately we are still awaiting internet connection and satelite TV at the farm so did not see any of the last round of games. Am now back in Perth but by the time next year's Super games come around I'll will be resident in the land of the Waratahs not far from the Queensland border. Next year will no doubt join my nephew in Brisbane to see a few games.
Well to the games as I said pre games nothing is over till the fat lady sings and boy did she holler in two of the games. Isn't it great the way sport has a way of causing some upsets. Not many of us saw the Blues a team both of us derided during the season pull off such a win and the Brumbies choke as much as they did. In many ways it is pleasing that the Reds will have the chance to defend their title despite my evil wishes to see you writhe as your Reds were knocked out. The other one was again to eat humble pie by seeing the way Hammet has brought his team of youngsters along after culling some prominent players and it was galling to see them deal to the Chiefs and cost them first place.
Sorry to say the final will not be the Chiefs vs the Reds as they will meet in the semis if the Reds win on Saturday. So if by chance they do win against first the Sharks and then the Chiefs then it could be the Crusaders again. Two of the biggest cheating teams playing against each other. You claim the Crusaders are cheats and I claim the Reds are cheats. Someone needs to deal with Saia Fainga who has turned into one of the dirtiest players in Super Rugby this year. The clip shown on Foxtel's the Rugby Club, to me, seemed far more dirty intentional and likely to cause injury than that which Cooper was banned for. Seems I will need to post again as there is more I wish to say.
Posted 14:32 19th July 2012
peewee2 says...
@trader2
you said
Has to be the only comp in the world where you get the favourable draw for finishing 6th though.
Yeah, and after you remove bonus points from the only comp in the world that awards them the Reds finished equal third.
So, rules are rules, play the game and stop whinging !
Posted 14:29 19th July 2012
trinats2 says...
ruckingkiwi:
Mate, we still have those days, and i have played in a few !!!. Believe it or not Rugby is very much a minorty sport here. When the Reds won the S15 last year we made it onto the back page of the Brisbane courier mail (a first) !!! On any given weekend we may get a full page (normally 6-8 pages in) So as a union supporter I do envy you guys and what your have (don't let anyone here know !!!) I was excitied about our national comppitition but it didn't get the financial suopport or the fans turning up. One day, and then we will be able to compete with you !!!
Posted 12:47 18th July 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Trinats, I remember the days of NZ sending tours to Queensland to help promote rugby in the region and the NZ influence is still very evident... so it's good to see the input was worth it. And my opinion, its not a big issue if the Reds win the comp, just that I'd prefer a team who finished higher to win instead :)
Injuries are injuries, not much can be done about that, however I agree 100% regarding bonus points and the 4 points for a bye etc, in fact the competition was best suited when it didn't have a bye, i.e S12. There are too many teams now (Force, Rebels, Lions, Cheetahs who are rubbish year on year ) and this flawed conference system is a direct consequence of that..
However I believe the local derby's do play into NZs and South Africas hands, although our conferences are more competitive and harder to win, which means we're less likely to qualify in a decent position, it does mean our players are playing a greater amount of tougher matches which is ultimately more beneficial. Prior to professionalism NZ (and SA with the Currie Cup) had the strongest domestic competitions in the world, the only nation of the Trinations who made significant gains due to Super rugby was Australia. Now however we have a conference system where there is more a domestic feel again, and given the competitiveness of the NZ conference in comparison , irrespective of whether we win Super titles, the players coming through are going to be better for playing more competitive matches. It's a catch 22 if you ask me.
Posted 11:42 18th July 2012
Trinats2 says...
ruckingkiwi:
Agree the conf system is flawed. Also think the bonus looseing point if a flawed or the 4 points for a bye (only introduced because a saffa team never registered a point one year) Also the system is flawed becase in the refereeing dept in that unfair with home refs etc. Sys also flawed in that a team doesn't get to play everyone in the sys.
As a Reds supporter (in case you hadn't guessed !!) i feel we were lucky to get into the play offs (other results went our way), however also feel it is justice as they have had to play half the season with ridiculous suspension's (5 weeks for Ioane and not one for Cooper) And also Karma with the amount of injuries, in two games we lost two fly halfs !! Also lost a centre and a yellow card in one of those games !
So when the Reds win the title again by beating the Chiefs (again this year) every Reds hater on here will have a whinge about how they shuldn't have been in the play offs etc etc, But the history books will read QLD REDS S15 champions 2011 and 2012 !
Trader2:
Only reason a Sheila would go to NZ to find a kiwi is a) she's a sheep or b) no one in Aus wanted her !!! Just kidding you must be a top bloke, we even let you in to Aus !!!
Posted 22:49 17th July 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
I remember Trinats, that's the match where the Reds scrum couldn't push the front door open. I certainly agree the Crusaders have had the rub of the green the last couple weeks, Daggs try was a shocking call, Ellis try vs the Chiefs was a shocking call and Coles try vs the Chiefs was a shocking call. The Chiefs have been unfortunate and the Crusaders have been lucky. Conspiracy?
Anyway, that doesn't excuse the fact that the conference system is flawed. The competition was only 1 win/loss away from having the top Australian team finish 7th and they would still have hosted a semi. That's not Australia's fault and next year it might provide advantage to another conference but I would prefer the top of each conference to make it through and then the next 3 (as is) but after this is found the semi destinations are determined by which position things finish on the ladder. Therefore Reds travel to Chch and the Bulls/Sharks would be playing in Africa.
Posted 01:35 17th July 2012
Trinats2 says...
ruckingkiwi:
Karma. Remember the Crus V Reds game and a certain Bryce Lawrence !!!! Against the Chiefs and Ellis try !! Or even as recent as this weeks TMO !!!! Not that the Force were ever goign to win. Hope Crusaders make it through !!!
Kiwilad
No, it's illegal, just because the ref misses it (or decides to ignore it !!!) doesn't make it legal.
Posted 10:36 16th July 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Reds certainly got lucky with the draw, finishing 6th and gaining a home semi but that's the way it is. Will show how flawed the system is if they go on and make it to the final, if both them and the Crusaders keep winning , they will meet in Brisbane, even though they qualified behind the Crusaders, lowest and last. Those are the rules, although I cannot see them lasting if this type of thing comes up every year. Oh and be harsh if Quade gets suspended for that tackle, looked like he was ducking and Coopers good disclipinary record (having never made a tackle before) should help.
Posted 02:14 16th July 2012
KiwiLad says...
Trinats, its only illegal when the ref blows his whistle..
Posted 20:37 15th July 2012
tweedledee49 says...
@tha_mai, thanks for answering my question. cheers
Posted 16:28 15th July 2012
Wallaroo says...
Thanks tweedledee49, I too hope we get our act together quick smart.
Posted 14:09 15th July 2012
Trader2 says...
Hi Trinats liked your comment "But you have to ask yourself, what are Saffa guys lacking, that a Saffa "chic" would want an Aussie !!!" I guess you have to ask the same question of you Aussie guys and what you are lacking, my missus had to come to NZ to find me. Dammit, now look where I have to live! Again congrats on the Reds, was a great effort against the Posers who were more woeful than ever and you guys lucked out with the Brumbies effort that just highlighted how underweight they were. Have to say the Reds derserved to be top as they did beat the Brumbies twice. Has to be the only comp in the world where you get the favourable draw for finishing 6th though.
Posted 13:43 15th July 2012
tweedledee49 says...
@Wallaroo. Tahs dont deserve a loyal supporter such as yourself. I believe the least they couldve done was go out with a bang but better luck next season mate!
Posted 11:07 15th July 2012
rugbylover says...
I realise that the Conference structure of the competition - local derbies home & away, plus games against 'most' of the other teams - ensures one team from Australia makes the playoffs. However, I think it's most infair that despite their lowest points [6th place] the Reds get playoff home advantage.
Posted 09:37 15th July 2012
rugbyphile says...
the Waratahs are absolutely hopeless--take Barnes out and they would lose to everyone----the Sydney-centric media must surely even go off them now--
Posted 08:43 15th July 2012
jonesy2 says...
the brumbies only have themselves to blame. paaaaaathetic. well done reds. genia is the best scrum half that has ever played, probably.
Posted 07:00 15th July 2012