The Queensland Reds have got out of jail with a 33-31 win over Moana Pasifika in Auckland.
The Reds let a commanding position slip but found their way home thanks to a late winner from Jock Campbell.
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So what did we learn?
It’s time to start talking about Jock Campbell as a serious Wallabies contender after the fullback got the Reds home with a clutch five-pointer.
The set play for his last-minute try was superb as Campbell backed up Josh Flook on the inside, beating two to break the hearts of the Moana Pasifika faithful.
He was incredible all over the work, with the two-man effort with Tim Ryan one of the tries of the year. Campbell had a game-high 144 metres, five tackle busts to go with the two try involvements.
Tom Wright and Max Jorgensen loom as the leading candidates for the Wallabies, but there’s an argument to make that Campbell is the form fullback in Australia.
This was always going to be a game Moana Pasifika was up for, especially given the news around their future.
They delivered a powerful Mana Moana Ala Mai with their full squad, facing the fans and the Reds instead of the usual goal-post to goal-post set-up.
The emotion carried them early as Augustine Pulu scored in the first two minutes, picking it back up with a stunning triple strike to take the lead.
They desired the win, only to be dealt the death blow by Campbell’s late try.
It serves as a valuable lesson to the Reds to never switch off, whilst providing confidence that they can rally and deliver when the going gets tough.
Tate McDermott showed little sign of discomfort from his hamstring injury as the scrum half returned successfully in Auckland.
His dart in the 16th minute was all the proof needed that his pace hasn't waned after six months off, taking good advantage of the relaxed tap laws.
As well, his early box kicking was very strong, nailing two for Tim Ryan to regather and build pressure.
It was a quality 58 minutes for the former Reds skipper, who will be vital to their finals hopes.
The sight of Carter Gordon goal-kicking is glorious news for Joe Schmidt and the Wallabies.
The former Rebel hasn’t kicked since returning from the NRL but nailed his first three, including one close to the sidelines.
Gordon notably had his struggles in his first stint in Super Rugby, with his sweet strikes providing Joe Schmidt with a clear path to pick whichever scrum half he wants, including McDermott.
His work in general play was magic as usual, breaking Moana Pasifika open on countless occasions whilst setting up Josh Canham’s try.
If Moana Pasifika does not continue in 2027, Israel Leota must be a big target for an Australian club.
The league convert is a special talent, with his effort in the 58th minute one of the tries of the year, beating several defenders with his blistering pace before scoring for the lead.
It came after he was denied a try in the first half for obstruction while setting up the second try for the hosts.
Leota is a freakish talent, as evidenced by his remarkable leaping try against the Highlanders at Super Round. The depth of outside backs is ridiculous in Australia, but Leota deserves a spot somewhere, and the NZ-born winger will be a hot commodity for all clubs.
