The Queensland Reds won their first Super 14 match of the season on Sunday, beating Bloemfontein’s Cheetahs 22-3.
The Reds warmed up for their upcoming grudge match against archrivals New South Wales with a three-tries-to-none win.
The loss was the Cheetahs’ 17th in a row away from South Africa.
”There’s only one way to describe it, shocking from us,” said Cheetahs skipper Juan Smith.
Queensland captain Berrick Barnes was disappointed by a number of missed tries.
”We killed ourselves in the first half in terms of that bonus point by not taking our opportunities,” he said.
Despite 65% of possession, 77% of territory and four line breaks, the Reds only held a 7-3 lead at the break. Cheetahs number eight Frans Viljoen dropped the ball on the goal line in the last play of the half.
The Reds led 15-3 after a 55-meter Digby Ioane try in the 48th minute.
Queensland coach Phil Mooney also rued the missed scoring opportunities.
”We could quite easily have put a score of above 50 on them,” said Mooney.
He said he’s looking forward to the big match against the unbeaten Waratahs.
”It’s a short turnaround, but we’re greatly relieved we’ve now got a win,” Mooney said. ”It will add to the belief and it’s a new challenge we’re looking forward to. We’ve got the team to do it. – Sapa-AP