Thrilling win for Reds
A last-minute converted try from Poutasi Luafutu gave the Reds a thrilling 38-36 victory over the Highlanders in Brisbane.
Last Updated: 17/05/10 11:40am
A last-minute converted try from Poutasi Luafutu gave the Reds a thrilling 38-36 victory over the Highlanders in Brisbane.
An enthralling Super 14 clash went right down to the wire at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, as the visitors overcame a 21-point deficit at half time.
A storming Highlanders response saw them score five tries in the second half to lead by six points with just two minutes remaining in the match.
However, Luafutu crossed for his second try of the match and a sixth for the Reds to level the scores, and fly-half Quade Cooper held his nerve to nail the conversion to go in front.
There was still nearly a further twist in the tale even after the final siren, when Highlanders full-back Israel Dagg lined up a 55-metre penalty for the winner but could not convert, as the Reds held on.
Flying start
The Reds came flying out of the traps and scored their first try after just 38 seconds with Digby Ioane crossing following a pass from Will Chambers.
Cooper also touched down, as did Radike Samo and Peter Hynes before replacement Luafutu got his match-winning brace of scores.
A seventh-minute Dagg penalty was all the Highlanders had to show for their first half efforts, but Fetuu Vainikolo scored twice in the second half along with Dagg, Chris King and Jason Rutledge as their inspired second 40 almost produced a remarkable victory.
An eventful win for the Reds gives the Queenslanders their first winning season in eight years, but they miss out on a semi-final place in Super 14.
The Queenslanders finished on 39 points with eight victories out of thirteen matches this year - in 2009 they won just three matches.
