WATCH: James O’Connor’s OUTSTANDING try assist in win over Moana Pasifika
Reds veteran James O’Connor rolled back the years with two try assists against Moana Pasifika in their 40-28 victory in Samoa.
The second of them saw O’Connor, wearing 12 on his back, receive the ball just outside Moana’s 22, beautifully step back inside and, with still a lot to do, have the presence of mind to step outwards again before playing a sumptuous ball to fly-half Lawson Creighton who crashed over.
It was a much-improved performance from both O’Connor and the Reds.
💥 How is that for a James O'Connor try assist! 👏#MOAvRED #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/N0EwiPXxVX
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) April 14, 2023
The Reds got on the scoresheet first with an early try from flanker Fraser McReight in the 11th minute, with Creighton easily adding the extras.
This was just before hometown hero Miracle Faiilagi scored his first try only two minutes later, with Lincoln McClutchie making no mistake from the tee.
Click here for teams and scorers
The visitors would wrestle the lead back through a converted Matthew Faessler try in the 22nd minute, and once again, the hosts responded soon after as Danny Toala crossed in the 29th minute for a converted try.
A converted try for Reds’ star number eight Harry Wilson and an intercept try from Suliasi Vunivalu rounded out the scoring for the first period in Samoa.
The Reds would pick up from where they left off and take the game away from their opponents through Faessler’s second and Creighton’s try both of which were converted by the 55th minute.
Moana showed great fight and continued to play hard, with Faiilagi bagging his brace in the 64th minute with D’Angelo Leuila knocking the kick over. The hosts would ultimately have the last say through a converted Tolai Luteru try in the 80th minute.
The great occasion in Samoa turned out to be a much-needed win for the men from Queensland.
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific
