Tonga vs Reds

27

Jul

2024

Defeat of Tonga in Nuku’alofa, the Reds men beat the ‘Ikale Tahi with a 41-14 defeat in Nuku’alofa.

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Friendly Test

Lofa’s vs Reds

27

Jul

2024

Red’s win against Lofa

The first match abroad in the 28-year history of the Reds’ women’s team was a landmark in more ways than one as the score ticked to 65-0 by full-time.

For winger Ivania Wong, her first half try was the perfect way to celebrate a record and how far the women’s game has advanced since her debut.

Her 38th game for the Reds makes her the all-time leading cap-winner for Queensland, a feat achieved in an unbroken streak.

The unfortunate spin-off was Wong being carried from the field with an ankle injury in the second half and heading to hospital for X-rays.

For the Tongan women, their passionate jumper presentation ceremony on match eve showed how much it meant to play for a first time in their homeland.

Co-captain Carola Kreis crossed for three of the 11 tries.

The best involved a Carola and a Mercedez.

Kreis was supporting on the inside when 17-year-old back Mercedez Taulelei-Siala made a fine swerving break down the right touchline in her best half of rugby as a Red.

The Reds were on the scoreboard early when standout Wilks took a quick tap and surged over from 20m out.

It was reflective of the Bond University centre’s first half. She was the most direct line-bender on the field with her determined ball-carries and ability to stay on her feet through contact.

She repeated the dose early in the second half with a second try from 30m out.

“The Tongan girls definitely brought the physicality in the first half (15-0). Our fitness and skills told in the end,” Kreis said.

“I’m most pleased that all the girls who turned up from clubland found their feet.

“It’s an honour to make this tour to Tonga and it wouldn’t have been possible without what PacificAus Sports are putting into building relationships like this in the Pacific.”

The early 5-0 start became 10-0 midway through the first half when fullback Lori Cramer fed Wong for a try after well-worked build-up.

Wallaroo Cramer’s good hands and touches always added to the flow of the Reds because she’d made a fine cleanout earlier in the play.