The Reds have claimed the Super Rugby AU final after a 84th James O'Connor try, securing the 19-16 win over the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium
Whilst O'Connor opened the scoring with a penalty, Tom Banks hit straight back to put the defending champions ahead after 12 minutes.
Watch every minute of Super Rugby AU on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Both teams would trade penalties as flyhalf Noah Lolesio booted them ahead before the break.
As they traded penalties, the Reds would find a way over in the final play of the game, with O'Connor completing his remarkable comeback with a try, contributing all 19 points.
In front of a packed Suncorp Stadium, the Reds would take advantage of some sloppy play from the Brumbies, with James O’Connor slotting the penalty goal.
From here, his opposite number Lolesio would take control of the first half, guiding the Brumbies into their 22.
The defending champions controlled possession and territory, smothering the Reds’ attack.
Lolesio would eventually find a way through, breaking two defenders before putting Tom Banks through for the first try of the game.
Reds prop Feao Fotuaika looked to have dived over from close to put the Reds back in front, however, the TMO called him held up. O’Connor would then slot the penalty to reduce the margin to a point.
It would be all the Brumbies late in the half, with a pair of Lolesio penalties extending the margin to seven points at the break.
Both teams would ramp up the intensity in the second half, leveling some brutal hits.
Reds number eight Harry Wilson would be forced off after he came off second best in a tackle with Rob Valetini.
With time running out, the Brumbies looked to claim the game late, however, an overthrow in the line-out gave the Reds hope.
Countless times, the Reds attacked the line and tried to find a way through.
Eventually, Nic Berry’s patience wore off, with Darcy Swain sent to the bin as the siren went.
Scrum after scrum, the Brumbies hung on.
When the Reds looked to have scored through Angus Scott-Young, Berry sent another to the bin, this time second-gamer Luke Reimer.
As the clock hit 84 minutes, the numbers advantage was too much as the Reds spread it wide, with James O’Connor crossing in the corner.
REDS 19
TRIES: O'Connor
CONS: O'Connor
PENS: O'Connor 4
BRUMBIES 16
TRIES: Banks
CONS: Lolesio
PENS: Lolesio 3
