Super Rugby: Quade Cooper inspires Reds to victory over Chiefs
Quade Cooper responded to his recent Wallabies snub by inspiring Queensland Reds to a 31-23 victory over the Chiefs.
Last Updated: 13/04/13 11:54am
Much has been made of Cooper's omission from an Australia training camp this weekend in preparation for the British and Irish Lions tour but he responded in style, scoring a try and kicking four conversions and a penalty.
Winger Rod Davies also went over twice in what was a superb team performance by the Reds.
The Chiefs arguably created the greater opportunities of the two sides in the first half only to be let down by poor handling within the opposition 22.
Davies got the scoring under way when the number 11 intercepted a predictable pass from Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden before running clear.
Gareth Anscombe converted his 100th Super Rugby point with a penalty before the Chiefs took the lead in style soon after.
A set piece move saw Anscombe dart around Reds' Ben Tapuai before offloading to Bundee Aki for a 10-7 lead.
Jake Schatz regained the lead for the Reds when he was part of an 11-man maul that started some 15 metres from the Chiefs line.
The Chiefs reduced the gap to one point immediately after half-time before Cooper sidestepped Richard Kahui to extend the lead to 21-13.
A beautiful cut-out pass from Will Genia saw Davies score his second try of the match before referee Steve Walsh's patience finally ran out.
Repeated infringements near their goal-line saw Reds centre Anthony Faingaa sinbinned with 15 minutes of the match remaining.
A converted Patrick Osborne score immediately after reduced the deficit to eight, but the Reds held on for their fourth successive win over the New Zealanders.
