Reds triumph over Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific clash
Filipo Daugunu was one of the try scorer for Reds
©Steve Haag
Highlanders 23-29 Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium
The Queensland Reds produced a dramatic second-half turnaround to defeat the Highlanders 29-23 in a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
With the victory, the Reds claimed their first win in Dunedin in 12 years, showcasing grit and determination in overturning a halftime deficit with standout performances from Filipo Daugunu and Kalani Thomas.
The match began with a flurry of energy from the hosts. In the 4th minute, Timoci Tavatavanawai crossed for the first try, cutting in from the wing to finish off a sharp attacking phase. The conversion from Cam Millar gave the Highlanders a 7-0 lead.
The Highlanders struck again in the 11th minute, as Tanielu Tele’a broke through the Reds’ midfield and raced over for the second try. Millar’s conversion stretched the lead to 14-0, putting the Reds on the back foot.
The Reds responded in the 19th minute, with Kalani Thomas darting from the base of the ruck to score under the posts after strong buildup play. Tom Lynagh added the extras to cut the deficit to 14-7.
In the 28th minute, the Reds continued their resurgence. A rolling maul drove them close before Richie Asiata crashed over from short range. Lynagh converted again to level the scores at 14-14.
Just before the break, the Highlanders were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Millar slotted it in the 37th minute, giving the hosts a 17-14 lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw a momentum shift as the Reds dominated possession and territory. In the 46th minute, Filipo Daugunu sparked the turnaround.
After receiving the ball on the left edge, he beat two defenders and dived over for his first try. Lynagh converted to give the Reds their first lead at 21-17.
In the 54th minute, the Highlanders were penalised again at the scrum, and Lynagh kicked a penalty to extend the Reds’ lead to 24-17.
The Highlanders responded with a penalty of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Millar, closing the gap to 24-20.
The match’s turning point came in the 66th minute when Caleb Tangitau appeared to have scored a brilliant 80-metre intercept try. However, the TMO intervened and ruled it out for a knock-on in the buildup.
During the same passage, Heremaia Murray of the Reds was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Despite being down to 14 men, the Reds held firm. In the 72nd minute, Daugunu struck again, finishing a sweeping counterattack to score his second try. The conversion was missed, but the Reds led 29-20.
The Highlanders had one last push and earned a penalty in the 77th minute, which Millar converted to reduce the margin to 29-23. But the Reds closed out the game with strong defense and game management, holding on for a memorable victory.
