Wallabies star's inspirational effort two days after father's death
The Queensland Reds have fallen agonisingly short of victory in their opening match of the Super Rugby season, beaten 36-31 by the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Inspired by lock Izack Rodda, who elected to play two days after the death of his father, the little-fancied Reds nearly pulled off an enormous upset on Friday.
It took a try to Highlanders flanker Dillon Hunt five minutes from the end to put the visitors back in front and record a 14th straight win at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
They scored five tries to four in an enthralling encounter against the Reds, who showed few signs that it was their first game of the season, having sat out an opening-round bye.
Down 29-17 early in the second half, it was an 80-metre try finished by Rodda that gave the Reds belief.
Reds captain Samu Kerevi marvelled at the fortitude of his Wallabies teammate.
“My heart goes out to him and his family. He’s a very strong guy. He heard the news and he stayed strong,” Kerevi said.
“He still played the game today and played extremely well.”
Though not all fans were aware of the family tragedy before the game, Rodda’s performance and effort drew plaudits:
Was questioning Rodda as VC but after that he’s the leader we need. #HIGvRED
— Chris Daykin (@TheChrisDaykin) February 22, 2019
Rodda was a champion tonight. #HIGvRED
— Rugby Report Card (@rugby_podcast) February 22, 2019
Playing for his Father, Legendary.
— James G Kilgore (@JamesGKilgore) February 22, 2019
Great Friday night entertainment..well done to the Highlanders ,but total respect for a very young Reds team average age 22 who stayed in the fight..thoughts with Isaac Rodda on his loss.
— Steveh (@steven73_h) February 22, 2019
Super proud. What a game. Deserved a win there. Rodda – you were magnificent.
I hope Reds fans take a lot from that and get to Suncorp next weekend when we take on the Crusaders.
— Reg Roberts (@RugbyReg) February 22, 2019
Prop Feao Fotuaika capped a memorable debut with a try to put them in front and they held onto their 31-29 lead for nearly 20 minutes before the desperate Kiwi side created space for Hunt to dive across.
Winger Chris Feauai-Sautia and halfback Moses Sorovi scored the Reds’ first-half tries but they trailed by seven points at the break, having been let down by some loose kicking and conceding seven of the game’s first eight penalties.
However, the Reds scrum, anchored by the unheralded Fotuaika, and defensive lineout were excellent, keeping them in the game along with a biting defence.
The stand out attacking performer was 18-year-old outside centre Jordan Petaia, who made several withering bursts while fullback Bryce Hegarty, in his first Reds appearance, landed all his five shots at goal.
It was a second straight fightback win for the Highlanders, who beat the Chiefs 30-27 in their first match last week.
Flanker Shannon Frizell crossed twice for the hosts while centre Rob Thompson and fullback Ben Smith bagged their other tries before Hunt’s late heroics.
with AAP