PRC - Reds steal victory off Upolu

The Tau'uta Reds have condemned the 2009 finalists to the bottom of the 2010 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup table with a last-minute 1 point win in the first match of today's triple header in Lautoka. In a must-win match for both teams it was the Reds, who for only the second time in the history of the PRC, defeated Upolu to keep their slim final hopes alive.

In a tight match it looked like Upolu had the match sewn up when they jumped to a 6 point lead with 15 minutes to go. They were dominating possession and territory and it looked like it would be only a matter of time before they scored again. But when Upolu first had a try disallowed by referee James Bolabiu, and then soon after, fatally, they opted for a tap kick rather than a shot at goal when awarded a penalty within kicking distance, Upolu's grip on the game started to slip.

The Red's sniffed victory and clinically worked their way up field to launch a sustained attack in the Upolu 22. Upolu clung frantically to victory but when Bolabiu sent prop Salafai Mika to the bin on full time, the Reds turned the heat up. A 5 metre scrum was dominated by the Reds forward pack and 5/8 Uate Tupou was able to touch down under the posts. The try was routinely converted on fulltime by Taumalolo to give the Reds a 19-18 win - their first for the tournament - to keep their final hopes alive.

It was a thrilling end to a tight game.

The Reds opened their account with a try to #8 Alekisanita Taka who waltzed over the line untouched following a 5m scrum, 4 minutes into the game. Reds 5-0.

Penalty to Upolu #14 Pessamino Alauni brought the score back to 3-5 in the 12th minute.

Upolu's first try was scored by outside centre and captain Jerry Meafou after a brilliant break by his centre partner Samasoni Moala. Alauni could not convert, but Upolu took the lead in the 16th minute 8-5.

Alauni's second penalty in the 23rd minute stretched Upolu's lead to 11-5.

A try on half time to Reds outside centre Charles Mateo, and converted by fullback Fokolulu Taumalolo gave the Reds the half-time lead 12-11.

The second half started as a dour affair with neither team able to assert any authority. Indeed the first try of the half came against the run of play when Upolu replacement back Talalelei Moli pounced on a charge down to score in the back left corner. Converted by Alauni, Upolu regained the lead 18-12 and looked in charge.

But Upolu's inability to put the nail in the Reds coffin, despite a wealth of possession and territory, ultimately cost them the game.

The Red's thus remain a chance in this year's race but need to win their remaining two games against the Savai'i  Samoa and the Fiji Barbarians and probably score two bonus points if they want to feature in the final. Conversely, Upolu's tilt at a 4th consecutive final appearance is over.