The Queensland Reds have fallen agonisingly short of their first victory over the New South Wales Waratahs in Buildcorp Super W history, going down 31-30 in Round 4 in Sydney.
The Reds led 17-12 at the half-time break, before a strong start to the second-forty saw the Waratahs claim a narrow one-point victory on their home turf at Concord Oval.
Waratahs prop Bridie O’Gorman opened the scoring early, but the the Reds hit back quickly through flyahlf Carys Dallinger. It was Annabelle Codey who put the Reds in position to score with a dominant carry, before Cecilia Smith found the playmaker with a silky offload.
Queensland had their next in the 27th minute, Sam Curtis the beneficiary of some deft Smith and Renae Nona playmaking out wide. Smith converted the try to give the Reds a 14-7 advantage.
Smith extended the Queensland lead to 17-7 with a penalty minutes later, but the hosts cut their deficit to five-points before the break with a Desiree Miller try.
The Waratahs surged early in the second-half, with tries to Georgina Friedrichs and Miller propelling the home side to a 24-17 lead by the 48-minute mark.
The Reds struck back through Codey, who dove over to score from close range off the back of a Dianne Hiini break.
New South Wales were back in the points in the 61st minute, Adiana Talakai giving her side a 31-22 lead with less than 20-minutes to play.
Smith brought the Reds within five-points with her second penalty of the afternoon in the 73rd minute, before Codey cut the deficit to just one-point with her second try of the afternoon. It was another pick and drive try for the Wallaroo lock, after an Ivania Wong break sent the Reds downfield.
Smith was unable to convert the tough conversion chance, New South Wales holding on a late Queensland attack for a 31-30 win.
Queensland are back at home next Sunday 23 April in the final regular season round of 2023, hosting the Fijiana Drua at Wests Rugby Club.
