Stormers too fast for QR Reds
Despite a courageous first half defensive effort the QR Reds were unable to keep pace with an adventurous Stormers side in their round four Investec Super 14 match at Suncorp Stadium, losing 34-16.
The Stormers spread the ball at every opportunity and were rewarded with a bonus point-earning fourth try right on fulltime after some slick handling in a rush up the short side.
QR Reds No 8 Leroy Houston earned his first Super 14 try with a typically powerful charge close to the line that put the Reds out to a 16-13 second half lead, while fullback Chris Latham forced his way over for the Reds' opening try. The five pointer took Latham's points tally in Super Rugby past 200 points.
Flyhalf Berrick Barnes added two drop goals to the tally to keep the Reds in the match early, but the speed and daring of the Stormers paid dividends in the second half when they added 24 points to their 10-8 halftime lead.
Their lead could have been greater had it not been for some committed Reds' defence close to the line and but for the Stormers' own handling errors when on full attack.
QR Reds coach Phil Mooney conceded the Reds' defensive alignment was found wanting by the Stormers' width and pace, saying the Reds were often too focused on the breakdown and were left too bunched up when the Stormers spread it wide.
The halves Barnes and Cordingley tried valiantly in attack and defence and both were left dazed by headknocks during the second half.
Another positive for the Reds was the scrum, which rarely for an Australian side facing a South African eight, became an attacking weapon at various times during the match.
QAS Reds Academy tighthead prop Dayna Edwards had a strong run-on debut for the Reds, working hard in the tight and anchoring the scrum superbly in his allotted 40 minutes.
Stormers 34 (Peter Grant, Luke Watson, Bolla Conradie, Tonderai Chavhanga tries Grant 4 cons, 2 pens) bt QR Reds 16 (Chris Latham, Leroy Houston tries Berrick Barnes 2 drop goals). Crowd: 17,830
