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The Queensland Reds crushed the ill-fated NSW Waratahs 41-7 in a record-breaking victory at Suncorp Stadium.
It was Queensland’s biggest win over traditional rivals, which lost center Izaia Perese to a red card and captain Jake Gordon to a worrying injury on a night of horror for the visitors.
“What a performance,” Tim Horan said on Nine / Stan Sport as the Reds picked up the precious Bob Templeton Cup in an opening game of the 2021 AU Super Rugby season.
The Reds’ first captain, James O’Connor, was understandably delighted with the first victory.
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“When they got the red card we could have lost our form,” said O’Connor, adding that Perese’s dismissal – for a dangerous tackle against Hunter Paisami – was unfortunate.
“We want to have 15 out of 15 to make it fairer, but these are the rules and you have to stick to them.”
Waratahs flanker Hugh Sinclair admitted Gordon’s injury didn’t look right.
“It looked like a sprained ankle,” Sinclair said.
“Hopefully he hasn’t been away for too long.”
Former Wallabies and NSW coach Michael Cheika said the Reds have physically “dominated” the Waratahs.
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“We just had a few mentally weak moments and were exposed,” said NSW coach Rob Penney, while agreeing to Perese’s dismissal.
Perese – dumped by the Broncos for drug offenses last year – was playing long before the brain faded.
“It was a fair call, without a doubt,” Penney said.
“I feel so sorry for Izzy.
“He has come back to try to restore his reputation but we will support him because we love him.
“He’s playing his old club, a little too excited and he just played his card too much.”
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