The Queensland Reds have opened their China Airlines Reds International Tour with a win in Japan today.
The Reds scooted clear 40-17 after being challenged at 26-17 through the hour mark against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
Hooker Matt Faessler and winger Tim Ryan came off the bench to bag two tries apiece in the second half.
Both were true to their DNA. Faessler worked off two mauls for his tries and the pacy Ryan swooped on an intercept for one try and finished a wide attack for another.
The match was always more willing than its non-cap “exhibition match” tag with the Reds using their full 13-man bench to give most of their touring squad a first-up gallop.
It was an exciting first taste in the maroon jersey of the senior team for 18-year-old winger Taione Taka, utility Coby Miln, replacement backrower Toby Brial and teenage prop Kingsley Uys.
The first of four tour games was played for a members-only crowd at a windy Ota City Athletic Park Stadium under clear skies.
It was a tune-up for both sides before the Saitama-Queensland Shield goes on the line next Saturday when the sides meet again in a full-cap game in Kumagaya.
“I’m happy enough with a good hitout. It was about the content, not the scoreline, and there were some decent phases which we now have to build on,” Reds head Coach Vern Cotter said.
“Our game drivers in Tom (Lynagh) and Cooper Stewart (at halfback) got into the match with tries in a tight first half and we built on things in the second. It was good to have our Australia A boys (Faessler, Ryan, Aidan Ross, Lachie Anderson, Zane Nonggorr and Joe Brial) all get involved from the bench.”
Brial had the thrill of playing with younger brother Toby for the first time when they both ran on from the bench to open the second half.
Uys earned a late spot on the bench. Last year’s Australia Under-18s standout played the final 10 minutes, acquitted himself well at scrum time and relished his return after a long lay-off to repair a knee injury.
Centres Dre Pakeho and Izaia Perese were in tandem for the first time and they both enjoyed 40 minutes after injury lay-offs.
The Wild Knights will field a strong side next Saturday. Former Highlanders prop Craig Miller, a Test-toughened campaigner with Japan, and ex-Chiefs flanker Lachie Boshier were two prominent members of today’s pack.
QUEENSLAND REDS 40
Tries: Matt Faessler 2, Tim Ryan 2, Cooper Stewart, Tom Lynagh
Conversions: Tom Lynagh 4, Coby Miln
Beat
SAITAMA PANASONIC WILD KNIGHTS 17
Half-time: Reds 14-Wild Knights 5
Venue: Ota City Athletic Park Stadium, Japan
