Vunivalu scores in Reds thumping

Fiji-born former NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu scored a try in the Queensland Reds 53-26 disappointing loss to the Blues in round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific yesterday.

 

An earlier penalty advantage to Stephen Perofeta saw him boot the opening points to give the Blues a slender 3-nil lead.

 

The side then made an early change after Rieko Ioane sustained an injury and his replacement Bryce Heem came on the field with a bang scoring the opening  try of the match and Perofeta converted for a 10-nil lead.

 

An over throw from the lineout saw Seru Uru lose possession for the Reds and it was beautifully collected by Caleb Clarke for their second try and Perofeta’s conversion increased their lead.

 

But Vunivalu powered over in 22 minutes and he helped the Reds cut the halftime deficit to eight points, with a brutal run trampling Blues opponents and allowing lock Ryan Smith to cross while James O’Connor converted for 7 points.

 

But the Blues kept their determination and Heem pulled his second try while conversion failed and Reds responded with a try from Ryan Smith and O’Connor converted again.

 

The Blues continued to lead by 22-14 at half time.

 

The Reds started the second half late again which saw the Blues take advantage of every opportunity and they scored their remaining tries from Clark and Soane Vikena scored a brace while Beauden Barrett, Perofeta, added the additional tries and Perofeta converted.

 

The Reds tried to make a short comeback from Jock Campbell’s double and O’Connor added the conversion but it wasn’t enough to cut down the margin.

 

By Romeka Romena