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Key man ... Quade Cooper scored a try and set one up on Saturday night. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
Ten months of frustration might not be over just yet for Queensland Reds captain James Horwill judging by his side's 23-18 Super Rugby win over the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
| 2 Tries 0 | |
|---|---|
| Jono Lance 36' | |
| Quade Cooper 53' | |
| 2 Conversions0 | |
| Quade Cooper 38' | |
| Quade Cooper 55' | |
| 3 Penalties6 | |
| Quade Cooper 8' | Louis Fouche 11' |
| Quade Cooper 35' | Louis Fouche 15' |
| Quade Cooper 60' | Louis Fouche 43' |
| Louis Fouche 45' | |
| Louis Fouche 49' | |
| Morne Steyn 71' | |
The Wallabies skipper ended a 308-day wait on the sidelines with hamstring and ankle problems when he finally led out his beloved Reds against the South African conference leaders in front of the 28,399-strong Brisbane faithful.
However, Horwill might still have some anxious days ahead of him based on the Reds' erratic display.
He watched hopelessly from the bench after his 40-minute comeback cameo as the Bulls not only reeled in a 13-6 halftime deficit by the 49th minute but threatened to snatch a last-gasp victory.
The Bulls looked to have sealed it when Bjorn Basson crashed over after the siren - only for video replays to show Chris Feauai-Sautia's tackle had forced the winger to put a stray foot into touch.
In the end, an error-riddled Queensland (4-2 record) somehow emerged victorious against the relentless South Africans (3-2).
"Up to a minute and 10 seconds to go in the game, I thought we were doing quite well but that's the way it goes - makes for an exciting finish,'' Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said.
"But we did enough. The real disappointing part was giving away three stupid penalties just after halftime to let them back into the contest (and lead 15-13).''
Horwill admitted it was tough to watch the thrilling climax but still appreciated a seat after finally blowing off the cobwebs.
" was blowing, to be honest,'' Horwill laughed when asked if he had to be stopped from running back out on the field after his allotted 40 minutes.
Queensland's frustrating form was best summed up by the opening minutes of the second half.
They were their own worst enemies as silly mistakes gifted three penalties in six minutes, allowing the Bulls to reclaim the lead 15-13 just nine minutes into the second half.
However, in what appeared a square-up after Reds No.15 Jono Lance's dubious first-half yellow card, Bulls winger Grenton Mapoe was sin-binned in the 52nd minute for a lifting tackle on Reds prop James Slipper.
And the Reds pounced.
No.10 Quade Cooper combined beautifully with halves partner Will Genia to exploit their sudden one-man advantage on the left edge and cross a minute later to establish a 20-15 lead.
Both sides exchanged penalties, setting the scene for the heart-stopping finale.
Genia set up the halftime buffer when he inspired phase after phase before a jinking Cooper set up Lance with just minutes left on the clock in the first half.
Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie equalled Robbie Deans' record of 120 Super Rugby games as coach on Saturday night.
Relive the drama with our Super Rugby Match Centre, featuring video highlights.
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