The Pacific Rugby Cup sees Australia’s best emerging Super Rugby talent compete against
national representative teams from Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Argentina

Reds Media Release –

Queensland Reds A have gone down 29-23 in the opening match of the 2014 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, against Force A at Aquinas College in Perth.

The Reds outscored the home side three-tries-to-two, but the boot of Force A fullback Jayden Hayward proved the difference, slotting two conversions and five penalties.

Reds A pivot Sam Greene picked up a personal total of 13 points slotting two penalties and converting his own try, while number eight Tim Buchanan and Captain Curtis Browning scored two barge over tries in the second half.

Despite the loss, Reds A head coach Peter Wilkins was optimistic post match and believed the players will take a lot out of the performance.

“It’s disappointing to lose but I’m happy with the team’s performance,” Wilkins said.

“We spoke before the game about lifting our intensity and enthusiasm and we managed to improve in both those areas while also executing our strategy as planned.

“We held the ball when we needed to, but also used our kicking game effectively to put the opposition’s forwards on the back foot.

“We set ourselves up for the win, we were held up over the line three times but the boys learnt a lot from that match and will carry that into the next game against Fiji.”

Wilkins was pleased with his forwards as a unit, who provided great go forward for the backline throughout the match, and he was also impressed by the efforts of some of the Reds Under-20 players.

“Scott Gale was excellent in his first start at nine tonight, he provided great service and his decision making when it came to kicking was on point.”

“Jonah Placid was also great at 15, defending in the front line at first-receiver from set piece, while also providing great counter attack and Lolo Fakaosilea added a lot off the bench in the second half.”

Reds A will play their second match of the Pacific Rugby Cup next Sunday, 2 March at Ballymore against Fiji.

Reds A and the Reds under-20s are two of Queensland Rugby’s latest development pathways, catering for the next generation of Queensland talent.

Pacific Rugby Cup – Friday, 21 February 2014 at Aquinas College, Perth

Force A 29 (Jayden Hayward, Phoenix Battye tries; Jayden Hayward 2 conversions, 5 penalties) defeated Reds A 23 (Sam Greene, Tim Buchanan, Curtis Browning tries; Sam Greene 1 conversion, 2 penalties) at Aquinas College, Perth.

Reds A : 1. Pettowa Paraka, 2. Andrew Ready, 3. Albert Anae, 4. Dave McDuling, 5. Blake Enever, 6. Curtis Browning (c), 7. Michael Gunn, 8. Tim Buchanan, 9. Scott Gale, 10. Sam Greene, 11. Chris Kuridrani, 12. Sam Johnson, 13. Kimami Sitauti, 14. Rod Davies, 15. Jonah Placid. Res: 16. Feleti Kaitu’u, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Phil Kite, 19. Adam Korczyk, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. Nigel Genia, 22. Nigel Ah Wong, 23. Tom Banks.

Force A: 1. Francois van Wyk, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Salesi Manu, 4. Rory Walton, 5. Phoenix Battye, 6. Corey Thomas, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Richard Hardwick, 9. Ryan Louwrens, 10. Dillyn Leyds, 11. Ed Stubbs, 12. Luke Burton, 13. Chris Tuatara-Morrison (c), 14. Dylan Sage, 15. Jayden Hayward. Res: 16. Harry Scoble, 17. Joe Savage, 18. Chris Heiberg, 19. Ross Haylett-Petty, 20. Adrian Hall, 21. Angus Taylor, 22. Dane Haylett-Petty, 23. Brad Lacey.