Reds claim miracle comeback win against Brumbies, Crusaders crush Chiefs in Super Rugby
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Reaction to an instant classic
Some reaction and stats from a cracking clash between the top two teams in the country.
Reds complete 'miracle comeback'
Incredible!
With time nearly up, Jordan Petaia has scored a try off a Hunter Paisami grubber kick and James O'Connor has kicked the conversion to give the Reds a 40-38 win.
The Brumbies led 17-0 and then 31-16 at different stages.
Jordan Petaia of the Reds celebrates scoring at GIO Stadium. Getty
"What handling from Jordan Petaia," Wallabies and Queensland legend Tim Horan says in commentary for Nine and Stan Sport.
"What a match. How brave that was from Hunter Paisami."
Brandon Paenga-Amosa of the Reds celebrates winning with teammates. Getty
Phew!
It's the first Reds win in Canberra since 2014 and revenge for last year's Super Rugby AU grand final.
A terrific advertisement for Australian rugby between the nation's best two teams.
"It's an instant classic and the miracle comeback is complete," Nine and Stan Sport caller Sean Maloney says.
O'Connor pots penalty
Another James O'Connor penalty and it's 38-33 Brumbies after 76 minutes.
Brumbies answer immediately
What a cracking game as Issak Fines-Leleiwasa hits back immediately for the Brumbies after some great buildup from Len Ikitau and Pete Samu.
"A moment of individual brilliance from Ikitau," Morgan Turinui says.
The Brumbies lead 38-30 after 73 minutes.
Wilson scores for Reds as thrilling finish looms
Great finish coming up as Harry Wilson scores for the Reds on the back of a dominant scrum.
"What a scrum from the Reds, just unstoppable," Tim Horan says.
"Well controlled by Harry Wilson and the Reds are oh so close now."
Indeed it is 31-30 Brumbies with 10 minutes to go.
"This match is living up to every expectation we had for it," Morgan Turinui says.
Tongan Thor strikes for Reds
Taniela Tupou has scored a vital try for the Reds, barging over from close range after a series of pick and go's close to the line.
"Plenty of time left and finally the Reds centres are getting a bit of ball," Tim Horan says.
The Brumbies still lead 31-23 after 63 minutes.
Taniela Tupou of the Reds at GIO Stadium. Getty
Fainga'a has a double
That man again, from another rolling maul, as Brumbies hooker Folau Fainga'a scores his second try of the night.
The Brumbies lead 31-16 after 51 minutes.
JOC knocks over penalty
It's now 24-16 to the Brumbies at halftime as James O'Connor knocks over another penalty.
Cracking half of rugby between Australia's best two teams.
Samu strikes again for Brumbies
Brumbies No.8 Pete Samu has scored his second try of the night - this time out on the left wing.
"Samu is killing the Reds out wide," Sean Maloney says, as Tim Horan notes that Suliasi Vunivalu "bit in" and left his wing which allowed Nic White to find Samu in space.
It has been a rollercoaster first start for Vunivalu.
"He needs to mirror his inside player," Morgan Turinui says.
"Propensity of all wingers, not just league converts."
The Brumbies lead 24-13 after 37 minutes.
Vunivalu scores first Super Rugby try
"Welcome to Super Rugby Suli!"
That's the call from Sean Maloney as Suliasi Vunivalu dances over for his first Super Rugby try.
James O'Connor and Harry Wilson set it up well for the Reds and the flying winger finished it off in the right-hand corner.
"He made a mistake at the other end two minutes ago," Tim Horan noted.
"111 NRL matches, 86 tries - now a try in his second Super Rugby match."
Said Morgan Turinui: "Vunivalu with no space at all - does what he does better than many in this country."
Great fightback from the Reds with the Brumbies' lead now reduced to 17-13 after 34 minutes.
Good contest.
