Reds dent Force's challenge

2008-04-18 13:20

Cape Town - Morgan Turinui and Andrew Walker scored second-half tries on Friday as the Reds beat the Force 29-12 in Super 14 rugby.

The Reds, who led 13-12 at halftime, scored the only try of the first half in the first minute. Referee Stu Dickinson awarded the try to No. 8 Leroy Houston after the television match official had several looks at a replay from a driving maul.

Clinton Schifcofske converted from near the sideline to begin a run of seven successful place kicks before he missed a penalty just before halftime.

The Force's Cameron Shepherd and Schifcofske traded three penalties for the score to be 10-6 midway through the half when the Reds goalkicker was yellow-carded for a ruck infringement. While he was off both sides scored a penalty goal each.

The Reds held the Force scoreless in the second half to improve their record to three wins and a draw in nine matches, while the Force are 5-5 on the season.

It was the Reds' first win over an Australian opponent in two years. Reds coach Phil Mooney said his side was confident going into the second half.

"We went into halftime feeling they couldn't score a try with the mountain of possession they had and that boosted our confidence," Mooney said. "I don't think we've been given the respect we deserve."

Force captain Nathan Sharpe said his team played its worst match of the season.

"It was a terrible performance by our boys but we have to give credit to Queensland. They contested the breakdown much harder," he said. "There was no excuse. We just didn't turn up mentally."

- Sport24