Reds leapfrog Brumbies
The Reds wrapped up a home play-off in Super Rugby following a 32-16 success over the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Last Updated: 14/07/12 2:08pm
The Reds wrapped up a home play-off in Super Rugby following a 32-16 success over the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
The Brumbies' shock loss to the Blues earlier on Saturday meant a win with would see the Reds top the Australia conference.
The first try came when Scott Higginbotham took Will Genia's pass over in the fifth minute after a line-out error by the visitors.
Michael Harris added the extras but Bernard Foley immediately responded with a long-range penalty.
Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan was sin-binned after an offside infringement as they desperately defended their tryline and the numerical disadvantage told immediately as Liam Gill went over to make it 12-3.
Comeback
The Tahs mounted a comeback as first Foley's excellent grubber sent Drew Mitchell over in the corner and then Adam Ashley-Cooper produced a moment of magic to cut the deficit to a single point, landing a drop-goal on the run from close to the halfway line.
The line-out was once more the Waratahs' downfall early in the second half when Tatafu Polota-Nau overthrew everyone and Reds prop James Slipper collected to score.
The home side scored their fourth try when Berrick Barnes' pass was too far in front of Mitchell and he fumbled into the path of the impressive Dom Shipperley, who raced over in the corner. Harris' conversion made it 24-11.
Tom Carter crossed in the corner to make it 29-16 and another Tahs replacement, Tom Kingston, prevented Adam Wallace-Harrison touching down, but Harris' penalty took the Reds clear of danger.
