Reds rock sloppy Chiefs
The Reds overcame a three-try deficit as they ended the Chiefs' unbeaten start to the Super 14 season.
Last Updated: 05/03/10 9:01am
The Reds overcame a three-try deficit as they ended the Chiefs' unbeaten start to the Super 14 season.
The Chiefs, playing at home for the first time this season, ran in three tries in the first 20 minutes, however the visitors kept their cool to bounce back and secure a 23-18 victory.
The battle of the No.10s proved to be the difference, with Quade Cooper producing a superb game with the boot, while Stephen Donald had an awful night.
However the Chiefs looked to be cruising midway through the first half as they stormed into a 15-0 lead.
Three minutes in Sitiveni Sivivatu had powered through some tackles to open the scoring.
And the New Zealand winger had a hand in the second try as he sparked a sweeping counter-attack down the left, before the ball was swung right for Lelia Masaga to score.
Regrouped
Donald missed both conversions but it was his scorching break that saw Sona Taumalolo barge over.
Despite the slow start, the Reds regrouped, with Cooper releasing Will Chambers for their opening score.
Donald finally landed a shot at goal when Brando Va'aulu was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle, but two penalties from Cooper cut the deficit to five points.
The Chiefs began to make basic mistakes - and were looking visibly tired after the break.
A 57th minute penalty from Cooper cut the gap again - and although the Chiefs had chances they were guilty of poor ball retention.
And when the ball was lost in the midfield, Luke Morahan hacked on and won the footrace for the score.
Cooper converted to see the Reds into a 23-18 lead - and although the Chiefs began to hammer away at the Queensland line, they could find no way through.
