Tuesday 12 April 2016 11:17, UK
Queensland Reds held off a stunning comeback from the Highlanders to win 28-27 and record their first Super Rugby win of the season.
In the upset of the season so far, Liam Gill, Nick Frisby and Samu Kerevi scored first-half tries as the Reds led 28-6 after 50 minutes.
But Aaron Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Lima Sopoaga crossed for the champions as they almost completed a remarkable comeback.
All Blacks half-back Smith scored the Highlanders' first try on the hour mark and nine minutes later Fekitoa dived over for a five-pointer before Sopoaga raced nearly 80 meters to cross in the corner and nailed his conversion to close the gap to a point.
But the Reds wound down the clock in the final minutes to snap the Highlanders' five-game winning streak.
Fijian flyer Samu Kerevi was at the heart of an outstanding first-half effort from the Reds.
Gill put them on the way, put over by the big Fijian just three minutes in. Sopoaga hit back with a penalty but Nick Frisby extended the lead with a sensational team score.
Jake McIntyre's mis-hit cross-field kick was collected by Kerevi on halfway - he fed Eto Nabuli, and the rugby league convert found the flying Frisby to dive over.
Sopoaga's second penalty made it 12-6, but that man Kerevi, who left Highlanders bodies littered all over the pitch with his powerful runs, got the third try before half time, pouncing on a loose ball 40m out and charging over.
But the Highlanders fought their way back superbly in the second half.
Smith got the first, and tries from Fekitoa on 68 and Sopoaga on 72 set up a thrilling finale.
They missed chances too, with some spills at crucial moments - and the Reds clung on for a famous victory.
