Force overcome Nabuli hat-trick to seal 26-19 win over Reds

Force 26-19 Reds, NIB Stadium
Scorecard

Force successfully managed to overcome Eto Nabuli's hat-trick of tries as they went on to clinch a 26-19 win over Queensland Reds at NIB Stadium on Thursday.

Wing Chance Peni got Force off the mark with a first minute try but Nabuli had other plans as he crossed over twice in the 18th and 20th minute with fly-half Quade Cooper adding the extras on the second occasion.

The scores got levelled at half time as lock Matt Philip replied with a 33rd minute touchdown followed by a conversion from Force fly-half Jono Lance.

It was Nabuli once again, who gave the visitors the advantage with his third try which came in the 48th minute while Cooper got the conversion right.

Just as the home side were put under pressure, replacement fly-half Ian Prior scored three penalties in the second half sandwiched by a try from centre Curtis Rona to secure a seven point victory for Force.

The win has taken Force to the top position in Australian Group and are closely followed by Reds at second position.

Force will lock horns with Brumbies at GIO Stadium in the next round while Reds host Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium next week.