The Queensland Reds put in a dominant performance, running riot over the President’s XV in a comprehensive 54-7 victory.
The President’s XV looked to build on their momentum from their first-ever win in the Super W, going up against a Queensland Reds side looking to get their own season underway after a crucial victory over the Melbourne Rebels.
However, it was all one-way traffic, with the Reds controlling most of the possession and preventing the President’s XV any ball to unleash their potent attack.
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The Reds got off to a blistering start, with fullback Luana Lopa using fancy footwork to pop the ball off for Carolina Kreis to open the scoring early.
It was a flurry of tries to the Reds in the first half, scoring almost a point a minute early in the game.
Destiny Brill returned to the Reds squad, and provided some much-needed impact, scoring early and marching the forwards around the park.
The backs for the Reds were electric, with Cobie-Jane Morgan directing play and Melanie Wilks straightening the line of attack. Lopa chimed in with critical link play from the back, setting up Ivania Wong for a try, then scoring two of her own to close out the half.
The Red picked up where they left off, running PXV off the park, with their forwards setting the platform for the backline to show off their slick passing and ball skills.
Emily Bass was on the receiving end of a brilliant run from Wilks to open the scoring, and shortly after Destiny Brill followed it up with her second of the day.
The PXV finally got into the game, gaining the ball back off the kickoff. In a good position, it didn't take them long to get into gear, with Tylah Valance putting in a cross-field kick that sat up perfectly for Jasmin Hurriwai to finally get on the scoreboard.
The momentum shifted, and off the back of some excellent work from Jemima McCallman, strong carries from Maraea Tupai and tenacious pilfering from Miki Trbojevic the PXV were able to stop the Reds and start playing with the ball in hand.
It wasn't enough, with the Reds putting on another try late in the game from Nat Wright to further extend their lead and put the game beyond any doubt.
It was a breakout game for the Reds, with combinations finally clicking in the run-up to the finals. Lucy Lockhart was perfect off the tee, nailing all eight conversions.
The PXV will be disappointed after a strong showing in the competition so far, but captain Alex Sulusi said the younger squad members would gain valuable experience from being involved in Super W.
The last game of the final round is a border grudge match between the NSW Waratahs and the ACT Brumbies, before teams head into the finals on the weekend.
The Melbourne Rebels will earn two points on the table in Round Three after the Western Force withdrew from the competition.
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Wednesday 30 May 1:00 pm AEST – Reds v President's XV at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Cheatham, Tiarna Molloy, Christina Sekona, Aleena Greenhalgh, Annabelle Codey, Carola Kreis, Lucy Lockhart, April Ngatupuna, Destiny Brill, Cobie-Jane Morgan (c), Ivania Wong, Diaz Seumanutafa, Melanie Wilks, Emily Bass, Kauna Lopa
Reserves: Liz Patu, Maletina Brown, Hilisha Samoa, Lesa Kaleti Mataafa, Maddie Schuck, Asaka Ono, Cecilla Smith, Natalie Wright
INS: Emily Bass, Destiny Brill, Liz Patu
OUTS: Loretta Lealiifano, Theresa Solai, Vetekina Fangloka,
PRESIDENT’S XV (1-15): Ayla Cook, Tasmin Sheppard, Candice Clay, Trudi Peterson, Emma Bradford, Grade Qaranivalu, Hanna Lane, Alex Sulusi (c), Tatum Bird, Isla Norman-Bell, Jemima McCalman, Vani Va'aga, Jasmin Huriwai, Renee Bates, Renae Nona
Reserves: Miki Trbojevich, Moniqca Mo'ale, Karen Nabaluarua, Kate Holland, Jataya Faifua, Maraea Tupai, Claudia Nelson, Tylah Vallance
INs: Renee Bates, Jataya Faifua,
OUTs: Yolanda Maiava, Paris Ingegneri
