Queensland Reds beat Moana Pasifika 33-31

Moana Pasifika 31-33 Queensland Reds, North Harbour Stadium

Jock Campbell scored a late try as the Queensland Reds survived a major scare to beat Moana Pasifika 33-31 in their Super Rugby Pacific match at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.

The Reds looked comfortable when they led 26-7 early in the second half, but Moana Pasifika produced a strong comeback and briefly put themselves in position for a famous win.

Queensland, however, found a final answer in the closing minutes, with Campbell finishing a passing move in the 77th minute before Ben Volavola kicked the conversion to seal victory.

Moana Strike Early Before Reds Respond

Moana Pasifika made a flying start after an emotion-filled pre-match Tau Moana. Augustine Pulu crossed in the opening minute after good work from Patrick Pellegrini, who added the conversion to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

The Reds replied in the 10th minute when Campbell helped create space before Tim Ryan finished a sharp attacking move. Carter Gordon converted to level the score.

Queensland then moved ahead in the 21st minute when Josh Canham forced his way over from close range. Gordon again converted, putting the Reds 14-7 in front. Moana thought they had hit back through Israel Leota in the corner, but the effort was ruled out for obstruction.

Ryan scored his second try after the half-time siren, with Tate McDermott involved in the build-up. Gordon converted, giving the Reds a 21-7 lead at the break.

Moana Comeback Shocks Queensland

The Reds stretched their lead in the 44th minute when Treyvon Pritchard finished another slick move after Campbell’s assist. Gordon missed the conversion, leaving Queensland 26-7 ahead.

Moana Pasifika refused to fade. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa scored from close range in the 48th minute, and Pellegrini converted. The hosts were then awarded a penalty try in the 54th minute, with Reds flanker Joe Brial shown a yellow card.

Moana completed the turnaround in the 57th minute when Leota broke through tackles on the wing for a brilliant try. Pellegrini’s conversion put Moana ahead 28-26.

Campbell And Volavola Seal Reds Win

Queensland had a try ruled out later in the half after an earlier knock-on, and Moana pushed their lead to 31-26 when Pellegrini kicked a penalty in the 75th minute.

Volavola had come on for Carter Gordon in the 72nd minute, and he became crucial in the final moments. With the Reds trailing by five, Campbell finished a sweeping move in the 77th minute to level the score. Volavola then kicked the conversion from in front, giving Queensland a 33-31 lead.

The Reds held on through the final moments to claim a vital win and strengthen their push for a Super Rugby Pacific finals place. Moana Pasifika were left heartbroken after turning a 19-point deficit into a late lead, only to lose in the final minutes.