The Queensland Reds have defeated Moana Pasifika 40-28 on a historic afternoon in Samoa.
At a hot and humid Apia Park, the Reds scored six tries to four, Matt Faessler crossing for a double and Lawson Creighton collecting a personal tally of 15-points.
Samoan product Jordan Petaia notched his 50th cap in the win, while Jake Upfield made his Queensland and Super Rugby starting debut in what was Moana Pasifika’s first match in Samoa.
Queensland opened the scoring, Tate McDermott busting through with a show and go before finding Suliasi Vunivalu who linked with a flying Fraser McReight on his inside to score under the post. Lawson Creighton made no mistake from in front, giving Queensland a 7-nil lead.
The home side hit back quickly, Mircale Faiilagi finishing off a 70-metre team effort to even the scores in the 12th minute.
Faessler put the Reds back into the lead, the Brothers hooker forcing his way over from close range after Vunivalu, McDermott and Jock Campbell combined to send the Reds downfield. Creighton slotted the conversion to make the score 14-7.
A second Moana Pasifika long-range effort again locked the scores, Danny Toala crossing to even the ledger at 14-all in the 28th minute.
Queensland hit back almost instantly, Connor Vest regaining the ensuing kick-off before Harry Wilson stretching his away over to score. Creighton made it three from three to put Queensland back in front at 21-14.
Vunivalu was next to score, the winger snatching a loose Moana Pasifika pass and dashing 40-metres to score his third try of 2023. Creighton continued his perfect form off the tee to give his side a 28-14 lead at the half-time break.
Faessler made it a double early in the second-forty thanks to a rolling maul, putting the score out to 33-14.
Another rolling maul put the Reds on the attack, before James O’Connor sliced through the defence and eventually linked with Creighton who scored under the posts. The flyhalf converted his own score to give Queensland a 26-point lead with half an hour to play.
Miracle Faiilagi had his second in the 64th minute, finishing an exciting counterattacking sequence to make the score 40-21.
Moana Pasifika had the final points of the match, a consolation try to Luteru Tolai brining the final score to 40-28.
The Reds have the bye in Round 9, before returning home to face the Western Force on Saturday 29 April. Buy tickets via reds.rugby.
Moana Pasifika 28 Tries: Miracle Faiilagi 2, Danny Toala, Luteru Tolai Conversions: Lincoln McClutchie 3, D’angelo Leuila Penalties:
Queensland Reds 40 Tries: Matt Faessler 2, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Suliasi Vunivalu, Lawson Creighton Conversions: Lawson Creighton 5 Penalties: At Apia Park, Samoa on Friday 14 April.
