Force outplayed by travelling Reds

Fri, Mar 4, 2022, 2:20 PM
WM
by Western Force Media

Despite a strong showing from the Western Force, the Queensland Reds proved too good at HBF Park, with the reigning Super Rugby AU champions claiming a 29-16 win.

Full-back Jake Strachan opened the scoring after six minutes with a perfectly executed penalty goal to give the Force an early 3-0 lead.

The Reds responded swiftly, with Hamish Stewart crossing over for a try following a strong line break. James O’Connor converted to make the score 3-7 in favour of the visitors after seven minutes.

In a see-sawing opening to the contest, the home side pushed hard to regain the lead with an abundance of territory and attacking pressure. The Reds stood firm and, on the counter-attack, scored their second of the night through Jock Campbell at the 25 minute mark. O’Connor was unable to convert (3-12).

The end-to-end nature of the match continued at the half hour mark, with vice-captain Kyle Godwin pouncing on Issak Fines-Leleiwasa’s clever kick over the top of the Reds defence in acrobatic fashion. Godwin’s second try in as many games was successfully converted by Strachan (10-12).

Strachan added another three points after 38 minutes, with a successful penalty goal to give the Force a narrow advantage (13-12).

Just as the Force looked to finish the half on top, O’Connor slotted a penalty goal through after the siren to regain the lead for his side (13-15).

The early stages of the second half saw the game become a rugged arm wrestle between the two sides, with Taniela Tupou seemingly scoring a try, but was judged to have not released the ball in the first phase.

Strachan kicked true again, as the full-back added three points for the Force with a straightforward penalty goal to regain the lead with 62 minutes played (16-15).

Josh Flook hit back for the Reds just two minutes later, with the winger touching down in the corner following O’Connor’s well-placed grubber kick. O’Connor continued an impressive performance with a conversion to give the Reds a six-point lead (16-22).

Quick hands from the Reds led to Fraser McReight racing over for the Reds fourth try in the 70th minute, which O’Connor converted to seal the win (16-29).

The Force refused to lie down over the 80 minutes showing great resilience throughout, but the Reds proved too clinical in front of a passionate WA crowd.

Tim Sampson’s side will look to return to winning ways next week when they head east to take on the NSW Waratahs in Round 4 at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, 13 March.

Scorers: Western Force – Try: Kyle Godwin (30’). Conversion: Jake Strachan. Penalty Goals: Jake Strachan (3).

Queensland Reds – Tries: Hamish Stewart (7’), Jock Campbell (25’), Josh Flook (64’), Fraser McReight (70’). Conversions: James O’Connor (3). Penalty Goal: James O’Connor.

This match report was brought to you by PS Structures. PS Structures supports rugby in WA from the grassroots community game through to the professional Western Force team.

PS Structures and the Western Force, Striving for Excellence. Visit PS Structures here.

Share
Force bolster lock stocks with signing of former Wallaby Sam Carter
Relieved Cron: 'The good news is we can still be better'
Force break through with barnstorming victory over Reds
Force secure historic win over Reds to move into second spot