Reds beat Brumbies to secure final rematch
A last-minute penalty goal to Lloyd Johansson has set up an APC final rematch against the Brumbies as the
Queensland Reds defeated the team from the capital 20-19 at Ballymore.
The Reds were down 19-10 with less than 10 minutes before fulltime and staring at an early start to their
annual holidays.
But a piece of Ben Tune magic gave them hope with a 25m run to the line to score with seven minutes on the
clock.
The Reds hopes rested on Johansson, who had earlier missed an easy penalty goal from in front, converting
the try which he did, only just, as the ball went over off the far upright.
With one minute on the clock, trailing by two points and needing the win to book a place in the final, the
Reds received a penalty.
Johansson's kick was successful, inspiring three cheers from the crowd.
It was an exciting end to an otherwise forgettable match in which the Reds lead 10-6 at halftime.
|
Rugby Union - APC Match 6 |
| QUEENSLAND REDS |
20 |
| Tries: | Conversions: |
| Henari Veratau | Lloyd Johansson 2/2 |
| Ben Tune | Penalties: |
| | Lloyd Johansson 2/2 |
|
| ACT BRUMBIES |
19 |
| Tries: | Conversions: |
| Jone Tawake | nil |
| Alister Campbell | Penalties: |
| | Julian Huxley 3/3 |
|
@ Ballymore Oval, Brisbane
Referee: -
Crowd: - |
Both teams seemed to be finding ways to lose the game.
Former Red Julian Huxley opened the scoring with two penalty goals early in the first half.
Winger Henari Veratau scored the only first-half try when fullback John Dart was able to snatch a pass at
his feet and send the ball out wide.
Johansson then converted to give the Reds a four-point halftime advantage.
But the Brumbies looked to be the hungrier team scoring 13 unanswered points, including tries to reserve
forward Jone Tawake and captain Alister Campbell.
A happy Reds coach Eddie Jones said he was pleased with his team's win but not happy with the number of
easy errors.
“We won the game and that's what rugby's about ... you don't have to play pretty,” he said. “I'm pretty
happy but not satisfied.”
One thing Jones did point out was the number of close games the Reds have lost in the past and he said it
was important that the team played right to the end.
“You've got to get in the habit of winning those games and they're the ones that mean a 7-5 (win-loss)
season or a 4-8 season.”
The Reds will play the Brumbies in the final next Friday night at a venue to be confirmed.
| 
