Saturday afternoon saw the Western Force and Queensland Reds play out a two-point thriller that went down to the wire.
Here’s five things we learnt from their opening Super Rugby Pacific trial at Ballymore:
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There’s always a little rust in trial games but it’s clear to see the contrast in styles between Les Kiss’ Reds and the Force under Simon Cron.
Queensland’s style was lightning fast and highly entertaining, but error-prone; often guilty of going too wide too early.
Promising attacks regularly broke down across the first two periods with pushed passes in contact a particular concern.
While the Reds looking more threatening than their opponents, the Force looked direct and dogged as ever – comfortable in close and willing in contact – with plenty of upside to their unbroken play and kicks from hand.
Issak Fines Leleiwasa’s kicking game helped the Westerners control proceedings early while Chase Tiatia’s crossfield chip for Ronan Leahy’s try was a thing of beauty.
Contrasting styles were also on display with Wallaby duo Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell sharing equal time in the Reds’ #15.
Petaia’s handling was his undoing early but the livewire also produced some brilliant attacking plays, including a monstrous 50-22 that came from deep inside his own defensive half.
Campbell’s stint was more measured with fewer risks and solid carries but he didn’t offer the same defensive headaches.
Post-game, Kiss was glowing in his appraisal of both but will have plenty to consider ahead of next week’s Waratahs trial in Roma.
Harry Potter puns are overdone but the Force winger was magical out wide during the season’s opening trial.
Potter shot to prominence late last year with a string of eye-catching displays during the Force’s Spring Series and he kicked on with two tries at Ballymore.
The first was classic winger’s play - holding his width for a tidy finish in the corner – while his second included two touches and hard work off the deck to receive a Tom Horton offload and beat Petaia’s diving tackle over the try line.
Australia’s winger stocks are by no means depleted but a strong Super Rugby Pacific showing in 2024 might get tongues wagging.
Again a pinch of salt for trial season, but the Force banking wins away from home is a brilliant way to kickstart their year.
The Sea of Blue were impressive at HBF Park last year but failed to fire a shot on the road, losing all their away fixtures.
Grinding out a two-point win late in the piece at Ballymore shouldn’t be understated, especially after losing both last year’s Super Rugby Pacific clashes with the Reds.
Post-game, both captain Michael Wells coach Simon Cron had plenty to say about the performance but neither could keep a smile off – winning’s a habit and they know winning away is even more so.
There’s something about a 3pm kick off that just feels right – and the fans know it.
Almost 4,000 spectators piled into Ballymore on Saturday afternoon with the redeveloped McLean Stand around capacity and a healthy showing on the XXXX hill.
That the game was stretched over three 30-minute periods didn’t hurt either – food and drinks vendors made a killing while families and kids played touch footy on the surrounding fields before and during breaks.
Fans were also encouraged to come right up to the field’s edge after full-time and meet their playing heroes, adding to the atmosphere.
