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Super 14 Week 1
Reds V Hurricanes
Reds 25- 16 Hurricanes
Quotes from Super14.com
Eddie Jones celebrated his first Super 14 game in charge of Queensland with a rugged 25-16 upset over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The former Wallabies coach masterminded the Reds first opening round win in six years with his young aggressive pack pick-and-driving over the top of last season's finalists.
The talented Queensland forwards ripped in from the kick-off to burrow their way through a Hurricanes pack missing five rested All Blacks and frustrated by the trench warfare.
Young playmaker Berrick Barnes, who engineered a 27th minute try to Mitchell Chapman, provided the direction in classy touches while league recruit Clinton Schifcofske kicked them home.
The former Canberra Raiders skipper enjoyed a 20-point debut, kicking six from eight with the boot, and showing a customary cool head at fullback.
Barnes virtually sealed the win with 16 minutes left when he coolly nailed a 40m drop goal to give the home side a 25-9 lead in front of 22,654 appreciative fans.
While there was little to be entertained by in the tight, abrasive play, the Brisbane crowd was delighted to see an early win.
It also allowed veteran centre Ben Tune, who showed his class with his few limited touches, and hooker Sean Hardman to uncork hearty celebrations for their 100th games for their state.
The Reds weren't thrown off their rugged plans despite the game going to uncontested scrums in the 44th minute when Tim Fairbrother (wrist) became the second Hurricanes prop to fall to injury.
Lock Hugh McMeniman revelled in the ugly yet effective play, pulling off a number of huge hits in defence and bashing his way over the gain line in attack.
"It's a very special win," said Barnes.
"The forwards were a big part of it tonight. They laid the platform and Clinton kicked bloody well too."
It took just five minutes for Schifcofske to show why Jones chased him so hard last year, kicking two penalty goals to give the Reds an early 6-0 buffer.
The former Queensland State of Origin player also brought the parochial crowd to their collective feet with a break from a superb inside ball by Barnes.
Jimmy Gopperth hit back with a penalty of his own after a high shot by David Croft on halfback Chris Smylie that saw tempers fray in the Reds quarter.
Milestone man Ben Tune and young general Barnes brought the game to life in the 27th minute when the five-eighth broke the line and handed off for Tune who was pulled down 5m out by Cory Jane.
Quick recycling then allowed Barnes to catch the defence out with a cross-field kick aimed at the left corner where flanker Mitchell Chapman took a fine overhead take to score.
Lock James Horwill paid the price for a string of breakdown infringements when he was sin-binned late in the first half, while Chapman got his marching orders in the dying minutes before fullback Jane gave a late scare with a classy 74th minute try.
Blues v Crusaders
Blues 34 - 25 Crusaders
The Blues endured a nervous last 10 minutes with their captain Troy Flavell in the sinbin for stomping before beating the Crusaders 34-25 in the first game of the Super 14 rugby season tonight.
With the game delicately poised at 34-25 with just 10 minutes left, Flavell was sinbinned for stomping on a prone Crusader in a ruck.
It soured what had otherwise been a superb performance from the lock, who is looking to revive his All Blacks career, as he laid on two tries for his teammates with outstanding offloads.
With a long history of disciplinary trouble behind him, the question will be asked again of Flavell -- can he keep his head under pressure? Were Flavell the influential forward of the game, Blues first five-eighth Isa Nacewa´s seven successful goalkicks proved the difference between the two teams, as each scored three tries.
The first try of the competition was a beauty, going to All Blacks hopeful Isaia Toeava.
After a surging run upfield from fullback George Pisi, wing Anthony Tuitavake split the Crusaders defence wide open, offloaded to Flavell, who flicked the final pass to Toeava to go over untroubled.
The Crusaders were lucky to go to the break only 13-19 down, having trailed by as many as 13 before Blues halfback David Gibson kicked directly into his own prop John Afoa as he tried to clear the line.
The Crusaders secured possession and captain Corey Flynn barged over, giving justification to his choice to pass up a penalty kick at goal.
Tries flowed thick and fast after halftime, a pair each as the Crusaders came back each time the Blues looked like putting the game beyond doubt.
Firstly, Blues replacement Rudi Wulf got on the scoresheet before former All Black Mose Tuiali´i replied for the Crusaders.
Blues wing Doug Howlett then scored for his side after Luke McAlister came off the bench, handed off Casey Laulala and Stephen Brett before giving Howlett an open run to the line.
First five-eighth Brett made amends soon afterwards, gifting a try to wing Rico Gear after a beautiful chip and regather.
In the end the nine-point margin reflected the amount of possession the Blues gained, although their pack, featuring eight current or former All Blacks, would have been worried after being steamrolled at scrumtime by a Crusaders pack featuring just two players to have worn the black jersey.
Lions v Waratahs
Lions 16 - Waratahs 25
The Waratahs made a winning start to their 2007 Super 14 campaign with a 25-16 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Waratahs made the most of their opportunities, scoring three tries to one despite being kept on their toes by an enthusiastic Lions outfit.
In the end composure and experience won it for the Waratahs, who secured victory 12 minutes from time when Adam Freier crossed out wide.
Freier’s try came about one phase after Lions centre Jacque Fourie was yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Lote Tuqiri.
The Waratahs, who only arrived in the Republic late on Wednesday after deliberately delaying their departure ahead of a three-game tour, showed no ill-effects as they looked to get the upper hand early.
Seeing off an early challenge the visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a penalty to Peter Hewat, however the advantage was soon nullified when Lions flyhalf Louis Strydom – a late replacement for injured pivot, goal kicker and skipper Andre Pretorius – piloted a penalty of his own through the posts.
The Waratahs scored the first try of the match on 26 minutes, flyhalf Daniel Halangahu taking advantage of hesitation in the Lions defence to plant the ball on the line for an 8-3 lead.
A second Strydom penalty three minutes later took the score along to 8-6, however Waratahs flanker and man of the match Rocky Elsom would land a decisive blow just before half time when he went over out wide.
After a neat piece of counter attack from Sam Norton-Knight, Elsom shrugged off two would be tacklers to touch down just inside the right hand corner post.
Referee Chris Pollock went to the television match official who awarded the try, which Hewat converted for a 15-6 half time lead.
A rejuvenated Lions outfit emerged after half time, rookie winger Louis Ludik showing a clean pair of heels to touch down in the 42nd minute to narrow the gap to 15-13.
Hewat bought the Waratahs breathing space with a penalty ten minutes after the break, while Strydom countered with one of his own 12 minutes later.
With just two points separating the sides heading into the final quarter of the match the sin-binning of Fourie would ultimately prove decisive, Freier touching down off a well executed lineout and driving maul on the very next phase.
The try was converted by Hewat and despite one final shot at penalty – which was wide once again – the Lions could not bridge the gap, the Waratahs running out deserving 25-16 winners.
Elsom was a deserving man of the match for the Waratahs, while debutants Ben Hand, Dean Mumm and Kurtley Beale all showed themselves to be up to the rigours of Super 14 competition.
Other results (I haven't seen these games so unable to write resports yet)
Western Force 7-8 Highlanders
Chiefs 15-21 ACT Brumbies
Sharks 17-3 Blue Bulls
Sunday Game
Cheetahs v Stormers
Cheetahs 27-9 Stromers
The Cheetahs stormed to the top of the Super 14 table with a 27-9 victory over the Stormers in their season-opener in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
Hooker Adrian Strauss gave the hosts the shortly before half-time with the opening try of the game and they capitalised on their superiority with further tries from CJ van der Linde and Kabamba Floors after the break.
Meyer Bosman kicked four penalties for the Cheetahs while Naas Oliver kicked all of the visitors' points courtesy of three penalties.
Cheetahs (5) 27
Tries: Strauss, Van der Linde, Floors
Pen: Bosman 4
Stormers (0) 9
Pen: Olivier 3
Reds V Hurricanes
Reds 25- 16 Hurricanes
Quotes from Super14.com
Eddie Jones celebrated his first Super 14 game in charge of Queensland with a rugged 25-16 upset over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The former Wallabies coach masterminded the Reds first opening round win in six years with his young aggressive pack pick-and-driving over the top of last season's finalists.
The talented Queensland forwards ripped in from the kick-off to burrow their way through a Hurricanes pack missing five rested All Blacks and frustrated by the trench warfare.
Young playmaker Berrick Barnes, who engineered a 27th minute try to Mitchell Chapman, provided the direction in classy touches while league recruit Clinton Schifcofske kicked them home.
The former Canberra Raiders skipper enjoyed a 20-point debut, kicking six from eight with the boot, and showing a customary cool head at fullback.
Barnes virtually sealed the win with 16 minutes left when he coolly nailed a 40m drop goal to give the home side a 25-9 lead in front of 22,654 appreciative fans.
While there was little to be entertained by in the tight, abrasive play, the Brisbane crowd was delighted to see an early win.
It also allowed veteran centre Ben Tune, who showed his class with his few limited touches, and hooker Sean Hardman to uncork hearty celebrations for their 100th games for their state.
The Reds weren't thrown off their rugged plans despite the game going to uncontested scrums in the 44th minute when Tim Fairbrother (wrist) became the second Hurricanes prop to fall to injury.
Lock Hugh McMeniman revelled in the ugly yet effective play, pulling off a number of huge hits in defence and bashing his way over the gain line in attack.
"It's a very special win," said Barnes.
"The forwards were a big part of it tonight. They laid the platform and Clinton kicked bloody well too."
It took just five minutes for Schifcofske to show why Jones chased him so hard last year, kicking two penalty goals to give the Reds an early 6-0 buffer.
The former Queensland State of Origin player also brought the parochial crowd to their collective feet with a break from a superb inside ball by Barnes.
Jimmy Gopperth hit back with a penalty of his own after a high shot by David Croft on halfback Chris Smylie that saw tempers fray in the Reds quarter.
Milestone man Ben Tune and young general Barnes brought the game to life in the 27th minute when the five-eighth broke the line and handed off for Tune who was pulled down 5m out by Cory Jane.
Quick recycling then allowed Barnes to catch the defence out with a cross-field kick aimed at the left corner where flanker Mitchell Chapman took a fine overhead take to score.
Lock James Horwill paid the price for a string of breakdown infringements when he was sin-binned late in the first half, while Chapman got his marching orders in the dying minutes before fullback Jane gave a late scare with a classy 74th minute try.
Blues v Crusaders
Blues 34 - 25 Crusaders
The Blues endured a nervous last 10 minutes with their captain Troy Flavell in the sinbin for stomping before beating the Crusaders 34-25 in the first game of the Super 14 rugby season tonight.
With the game delicately poised at 34-25 with just 10 minutes left, Flavell was sinbinned for stomping on a prone Crusader in a ruck.
It soured what had otherwise been a superb performance from the lock, who is looking to revive his All Blacks career, as he laid on two tries for his teammates with outstanding offloads.
With a long history of disciplinary trouble behind him, the question will be asked again of Flavell -- can he keep his head under pressure? Were Flavell the influential forward of the game, Blues first five-eighth Isa Nacewa´s seven successful goalkicks proved the difference between the two teams, as each scored three tries.
The first try of the competition was a beauty, going to All Blacks hopeful Isaia Toeava.
After a surging run upfield from fullback George Pisi, wing Anthony Tuitavake split the Crusaders defence wide open, offloaded to Flavell, who flicked the final pass to Toeava to go over untroubled.
The Crusaders were lucky to go to the break only 13-19 down, having trailed by as many as 13 before Blues halfback David Gibson kicked directly into his own prop John Afoa as he tried to clear the line.
The Crusaders secured possession and captain Corey Flynn barged over, giving justification to his choice to pass up a penalty kick at goal.
Tries flowed thick and fast after halftime, a pair each as the Crusaders came back each time the Blues looked like putting the game beyond doubt.
Firstly, Blues replacement Rudi Wulf got on the scoresheet before former All Black Mose Tuiali´i replied for the Crusaders.
Blues wing Doug Howlett then scored for his side after Luke McAlister came off the bench, handed off Casey Laulala and Stephen Brett before giving Howlett an open run to the line.
First five-eighth Brett made amends soon afterwards, gifting a try to wing Rico Gear after a beautiful chip and regather.
In the end the nine-point margin reflected the amount of possession the Blues gained, although their pack, featuring eight current or former All Blacks, would have been worried after being steamrolled at scrumtime by a Crusaders pack featuring just two players to have worn the black jersey.
Lions v Waratahs
Lions 16 - Waratahs 25
The Waratahs made a winning start to their 2007 Super 14 campaign with a 25-16 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Waratahs made the most of their opportunities, scoring three tries to one despite being kept on their toes by an enthusiastic Lions outfit.
In the end composure and experience won it for the Waratahs, who secured victory 12 minutes from time when Adam Freier crossed out wide.
Freier’s try came about one phase after Lions centre Jacque Fourie was yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Lote Tuqiri.
The Waratahs, who only arrived in the Republic late on Wednesday after deliberately delaying their departure ahead of a three-game tour, showed no ill-effects as they looked to get the upper hand early.
Seeing off an early challenge the visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a penalty to Peter Hewat, however the advantage was soon nullified when Lions flyhalf Louis Strydom – a late replacement for injured pivot, goal kicker and skipper Andre Pretorius – piloted a penalty of his own through the posts.
The Waratahs scored the first try of the match on 26 minutes, flyhalf Daniel Halangahu taking advantage of hesitation in the Lions defence to plant the ball on the line for an 8-3 lead.
A second Strydom penalty three minutes later took the score along to 8-6, however Waratahs flanker and man of the match Rocky Elsom would land a decisive blow just before half time when he went over out wide.
After a neat piece of counter attack from Sam Norton-Knight, Elsom shrugged off two would be tacklers to touch down just inside the right hand corner post.
Referee Chris Pollock went to the television match official who awarded the try, which Hewat converted for a 15-6 half time lead.
A rejuvenated Lions outfit emerged after half time, rookie winger Louis Ludik showing a clean pair of heels to touch down in the 42nd minute to narrow the gap to 15-13.
Hewat bought the Waratahs breathing space with a penalty ten minutes after the break, while Strydom countered with one of his own 12 minutes later.
With just two points separating the sides heading into the final quarter of the match the sin-binning of Fourie would ultimately prove decisive, Freier touching down off a well executed lineout and driving maul on the very next phase.
The try was converted by Hewat and despite one final shot at penalty – which was wide once again – the Lions could not bridge the gap, the Waratahs running out deserving 25-16 winners.
Elsom was a deserving man of the match for the Waratahs, while debutants Ben Hand, Dean Mumm and Kurtley Beale all showed themselves to be up to the rigours of Super 14 competition.
Other results (I haven't seen these games so unable to write resports yet)
Western Force 7-8 Highlanders
Chiefs 15-21 ACT Brumbies
Sharks 17-3 Blue Bulls
Sunday Game
Cheetahs v Stormers
Cheetahs 27-9 Stromers
The Cheetahs stormed to the top of the Super 14 table with a 27-9 victory over the Stormers in their season-opener in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
Hooker Adrian Strauss gave the hosts the shortly before half-time with the opening try of the game and they capitalised on their superiority with further tries from CJ van der Linde and Kabamba Floors after the break.
Meyer Bosman kicked four penalties for the Cheetahs while Naas Oliver kicked all of the visitors' points courtesy of three penalties.
Cheetahs (5) 27
Tries: Strauss, Van der Linde, Floors
Pen: Bosman 4
Stormers (0) 9
Pen: Olivier 3
SUPER 14 WEEK 3
Sharks 23-16 Highlanders
The Sharks' Percy Montgomery collected all of his side's points as they powered to the top of the Super 14 table with a 23-16 victory over The Highlanders at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
It was their third consecutive home victory at Absa Stadium following wins over the Bulls and Waratahs, giving them a two-point lead over compatriots, the Cheetahs, in the competition.
The result also completed all three South African victories over New Zealand teams, with defending champions, the Crusaders, going down 9-3 to last year's 11th placed Lions in Johannesburg and the Chiefs losing 21-16 to the Stormers in Cape town.
Man-of-the-match Montgomery scored a try in each half, converted both and kicked three penalties.
First five-eighth Charlie Hore landed three penalties for the Highlanders and replacement back Jason Kawau scored a late try after coming close earlier, with the television match official adjudging he touched the flag before dotting down.
It was only the Highlanders' defence that kept them in the game after Montgomery and his fellow backs Marius Joubert, Meyer Bosnan and Ronnie Cooke applied immense pressure with their counter-attacking.
"We had a difficult week with numerous changes to the team and several youngsters being drafted in, but we stuck together and performed the basics well," Montgomery said.
Highlanders captain Craig Newby didn't offer any excuses even though they were in touch with the Sharks throughout the match.
"The Sharks counter-attacked superbly in the first half, tore us to shreds at times, and we were lucky to trail by only four points (10-6) at the break," he told NZPA.
"I guess they took their opportunities. They made a few linebreaks and if it wasn't for our scrambling (defence) we would have got a hiding today -- that was a bit pleasing. But coming off with two losses on tour is not good enough for us."
The match marked the return to Super 14 action of former Springboks captain and No 8 Bob Skinstad, who came on with nine minutes left.
Montgomery struck his first blow after just six minutes, taking a blindside pass from a scrum, after the initial attack was taken to the left, to cross for a try he converted before adding a penalty to give his team a 10-point advantage.
Despite dominating territory and possession, the Sharks wasted several chances and Hore kicked two penalties from three attempts to cut the gap to four points by halftime.
The Sharks stretched their lead to 16-9 midway through the second half when Montgomery landed two penalties and Hore one, but home supporters had to wait until five minutes from the end before celebrating another try.
Montgomery and halfback Ruan Pienaar carved open the Highlanders defence and the fullback ran in unopposed for a try which he converted to seemingly seal the fate of the New Zealanders.
But Kawau crossed for a try almost immediately, Hore converted, and the Highlanders had the ball just short of the Sharks line when they were penalised and the final whistle sounded.
Sharks (10) 23
Tries: Montgomery
Con: Montgomery 2
Pen: Montgomery 3
Highlanders (6) 16
Try: Kawau
Con: Hore
Pen: Hore 3
OTHER RESULTS
Bulls 27-30 Western Force
Stormers 21-16 Chiefs
Cheetahs 30-26 NSW Waratahs
Hurricanes 23-22 Auckland Blues
Lions 9-3 Crusaders
Queensland Reds 3-6 ACT Brumbies
Sharks 23-16 Highlanders
The Sharks' Percy Montgomery collected all of his side's points as they powered to the top of the Super 14 table with a 23-16 victory over The Highlanders at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
It was their third consecutive home victory at Absa Stadium following wins over the Bulls and Waratahs, giving them a two-point lead over compatriots, the Cheetahs, in the competition.
The result also completed all three South African victories over New Zealand teams, with defending champions, the Crusaders, going down 9-3 to last year's 11th placed Lions in Johannesburg and the Chiefs losing 21-16 to the Stormers in Cape town.
Man-of-the-match Montgomery scored a try in each half, converted both and kicked three penalties.
First five-eighth Charlie Hore landed three penalties for the Highlanders and replacement back Jason Kawau scored a late try after coming close earlier, with the television match official adjudging he touched the flag before dotting down.
It was only the Highlanders' defence that kept them in the game after Montgomery and his fellow backs Marius Joubert, Meyer Bosnan and Ronnie Cooke applied immense pressure with their counter-attacking.
"We had a difficult week with numerous changes to the team and several youngsters being drafted in, but we stuck together and performed the basics well," Montgomery said.
Highlanders captain Craig Newby didn't offer any excuses even though they were in touch with the Sharks throughout the match.
"The Sharks counter-attacked superbly in the first half, tore us to shreds at times, and we were lucky to trail by only four points (10-6) at the break," he told NZPA.
"I guess they took their opportunities. They made a few linebreaks and if it wasn't for our scrambling (defence) we would have got a hiding today -- that was a bit pleasing. But coming off with two losses on tour is not good enough for us."
The match marked the return to Super 14 action of former Springboks captain and No 8 Bob Skinstad, who came on with nine minutes left.
Montgomery struck his first blow after just six minutes, taking a blindside pass from a scrum, after the initial attack was taken to the left, to cross for a try he converted before adding a penalty to give his team a 10-point advantage.
Despite dominating territory and possession, the Sharks wasted several chances and Hore kicked two penalties from three attempts to cut the gap to four points by halftime.
The Sharks stretched their lead to 16-9 midway through the second half when Montgomery landed two penalties and Hore one, but home supporters had to wait until five minutes from the end before celebrating another try.
Montgomery and halfback Ruan Pienaar carved open the Highlanders defence and the fullback ran in unopposed for a try which he converted to seemingly seal the fate of the New Zealanders.
But Kawau crossed for a try almost immediately, Hore converted, and the Highlanders had the ball just short of the Sharks line when they were penalised and the final whistle sounded.
Sharks (10) 23
Tries: Montgomery
Con: Montgomery 2
Pen: Montgomery 3
Highlanders (6) 16
Try: Kawau
Con: Hore
Pen: Hore 3
OTHER RESULTS
Bulls 27-30 Western Force
Stormers 21-16 Chiefs
Cheetahs 30-26 NSW Waratahs
Hurricanes 23-22 Auckland Blues
Lions 9-3 Crusaders
Queensland Reds 3-6 ACT Brumbies
SUPER 14 WEEK 2
Crusaders 33 - 22 Reds
Defending champions Crusaders put their Super 14 rugby season back on track with a deserved 33-22 win over the Queensland Reds at Jade Stadium tonight.
Facing a new-look, forwards-orientated Reds outfit under new coach Eddie Jones, the Crusaders left behind their error-ridden first up loss last weekend against the Blues to score five fine tries to two by the Reds.
Crusaders No 8 Mose Tuali'i stood tall at a moment when his side needed some inspiration when they trailed the Reds 14-19 after 10 minutes of the second half.
Tuali'i scored a try in the 56th minute and then sparked another in the 72nd, putting the Crusaders back in front.
Kieran Read took a quick tap penalty and gave the ball to Tuali'i who managed to place the ball on the tryline despite the attentions of three Reds forwards.
Then, after Reds sharpshooter Clinton Schifcofske had given the Reds back the lead, 22-21, with another penalty, Tuali'i mowed through the advantage line and his off-load went through another two pairs of hands before finding wing Scott Hamilton who crossed unchallenged for the bonus point try.
The icing on the cake came in the last minute -- first five Stephen Brett, proving to be an impressive stand-in for Daniel Carter, cross kicked for Hamilton to collect and feed Brent Ward an easy scoring opportunity.
Brett, 21, had opened the scoring when after a series of forward surges, he ghosted through the defence in the 14th minute, and was followed in the 20th minute by lock Ross Filipo, the try putting the Crusdaers in control of a keenly contested fixture.
The Reds stayed in the game with a try to prop Greg Holmes after a forwards rumble, followed by a Schifcofske penalty on the stroke of halftime.
League convert Schifcofske, who scored 17 points against the Hurricanes last week, guided another two penalties over within five minutes of the restart and a fortuitous try to winger Peter Hinds finally gave the Reds the lead.
Winger Rico Gear tried a kick through but the ball hit Hinds' feet and the wing plucked the rebound to race over from 40 metres.
The Crusaders, without seven front line All Blacks, were desperate to avoid their worst start to a Super season since 2004 and were justly rewarded for an all round team effort.
OTHER RESULTS
Chiefs 32-39 Hurricanes
Sharks 22-9 Waratahs
Stromers 3-22 Western Force
Brumbies 15-17 Blues
Bulls 24-20 Cheetahs
Lions 11-6 Highlanders
Crusaders 33 - 22 Reds
Defending champions Crusaders put their Super 14 rugby season back on track with a deserved 33-22 win over the Queensland Reds at Jade Stadium tonight.
Facing a new-look, forwards-orientated Reds outfit under new coach Eddie Jones, the Crusaders left behind their error-ridden first up loss last weekend against the Blues to score five fine tries to two by the Reds.
Crusaders No 8 Mose Tuali'i stood tall at a moment when his side needed some inspiration when they trailed the Reds 14-19 after 10 minutes of the second half.
Tuali'i scored a try in the 56th minute and then sparked another in the 72nd, putting the Crusaders back in front.
Kieran Read took a quick tap penalty and gave the ball to Tuali'i who managed to place the ball on the tryline despite the attentions of three Reds forwards.
Then, after Reds sharpshooter Clinton Schifcofske had given the Reds back the lead, 22-21, with another penalty, Tuali'i mowed through the advantage line and his off-load went through another two pairs of hands before finding wing Scott Hamilton who crossed unchallenged for the bonus point try.
The icing on the cake came in the last minute -- first five Stephen Brett, proving to be an impressive stand-in for Daniel Carter, cross kicked for Hamilton to collect and feed Brent Ward an easy scoring opportunity.
Brett, 21, had opened the scoring when after a series of forward surges, he ghosted through the defence in the 14th minute, and was followed in the 20th minute by lock Ross Filipo, the try putting the Crusdaers in control of a keenly contested fixture.
The Reds stayed in the game with a try to prop Greg Holmes after a forwards rumble, followed by a Schifcofske penalty on the stroke of halftime.
League convert Schifcofske, who scored 17 points against the Hurricanes last week, guided another two penalties over within five minutes of the restart and a fortuitous try to winger Peter Hinds finally gave the Reds the lead.
Winger Rico Gear tried a kick through but the ball hit Hinds' feet and the wing plucked the rebound to race over from 40 metres.
The Crusaders, without seven front line All Blacks, were desperate to avoid their worst start to a Super season since 2004 and were justly rewarded for an all round team effort.
OTHER RESULTS
Chiefs 32-39 Hurricanes
Sharks 22-9 Waratahs
Stromers 3-22 Western Force
Brumbies 15-17 Blues
Bulls 24-20 Cheetahs
Lions 11-6 Highlanders
Super 14 Week 1
Reds V Hurricanes
Reds 25- 16 Hurricanes
Quotes from Super14.com
Eddie Jones celebrated his first Super 14 game in charge of Queensland with a rugged 25-16 upset over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The former Wallabies coach masterminded the Reds first opening round win in six years with his young aggressive pack pick-and-driving over the top of last season's finalists.
The talented Queensland forwards ripped in from the kick-off to burrow their way through a Hurricanes pack missing five rested All Blacks and frustrated by the trench warfare.
Young playmaker Berrick Barnes, who engineered a 27th minute try to Mitchell Chapman, provided the direction in classy touches while league recruit Clinton Schifcofske kicked them home.
The former Canberra Raiders skipper enjoyed a 20-point debut, kicking six from eight with the boot, and showing a customary cool head at fullback.
Barnes virtually sealed the win with 16 minutes left when he coolly nailed a 40m drop goal to give the home side a 25-9 lead in front of 22,654 appreciative fans.
While there was little to be entertained by in the tight, abrasive play, the Brisbane crowd was delighted to see an early win.
It also allowed veteran centre Ben Tune, who showed his class with his few limited touches, and hooker Sean Hardman to uncork hearty celebrations for their 100th games for their state.
The Reds weren't thrown off their rugged plans despite the game going to uncontested scrums in the 44th minute when Tim Fairbrother (wrist) became the second Hurricanes prop to fall to injury.
Lock Hugh McMeniman revelled in the ugly yet effective play, pulling off a number of huge hits in defence and bashing his way over the gain line in attack.
"It's a very special win," said Barnes.
"The forwards were a big part of it tonight. They laid the platform and Clinton kicked bloody well too."
It took just five minutes for Schifcofske to show why Jones chased him so hard last year, kicking two penalty goals to give the Reds an early 6-0 buffer.
The former Queensland State of Origin player also brought the parochial crowd to their collective feet with a break from a superb inside ball by Barnes.
Jimmy Gopperth hit back with a penalty of his own after a high shot by David Croft on halfback Chris Smylie that saw tempers fray in the Reds quarter.
Milestone man Ben Tune and young general Barnes brought the game to life in the 27th minute when the five-eighth broke the line and handed off for Tune who was pulled down 5m out by Cory Jane.
Quick recycling then allowed Barnes to catch the defence out with a cross-field kick aimed at the left corner where flanker Mitchell Chapman took a fine overhead take to score.
Lock James Horwill paid the price for a string of breakdown infringements when he was sin-binned late in the first half, while Chapman got his marching orders in the dying minutes before fullback Jane gave a late scare with a classy 74th minute try.
Blues v Crusaders
Blues 34 - 25 Crusaders
The Blues endured a nervous last 10 minutes with their captain Troy Flavell in the sinbin for stomping before beating the Crusaders 34-25 in the first game of the Super 14 rugby season tonight.
With the game delicately poised at 34-25 with just 10 minutes left, Flavell was sinbinned for stomping on a prone Crusader in a ruck.
It soured what had otherwise been a superb performance from the lock, who is looking to revive his All Blacks career, as he laid on two tries for his teammates with outstanding offloads.
With a long history of disciplinary trouble behind him, the question will be asked again of Flavell -- can he keep his head under pressure? Were Flavell the influential forward of the game, Blues first five-eighth Isa Nacewa´s seven successful goalkicks proved the difference between the two teams, as each scored three tries.
The first try of the competition was a beauty, going to All Blacks hopeful Isaia Toeava.
After a surging run upfield from fullback George Pisi, wing Anthony Tuitavake split the Crusaders defence wide open, offloaded to Flavell, who flicked the final pass to Toeava to go over untroubled.
The Crusaders were lucky to go to the break only 13-19 down, having trailed by as many as 13 before Blues halfback David Gibson kicked directly into his own prop John Afoa as he tried to clear the line.
The Crusaders secured possession and captain Corey Flynn barged over, giving justification to his choice to pass up a penalty kick at goal.
Tries flowed thick and fast after halftime, a pair each as the Crusaders came back each time the Blues looked like putting the game beyond doubt.
Firstly, Blues replacement Rudi Wulf got on the scoresheet before former All Black Mose Tuiali´i replied for the Crusaders.
Blues wing Doug Howlett then scored for his side after Luke McAlister came off the bench, handed off Casey Laulala and Stephen Brett before giving Howlett an open run to the line.
First five-eighth Brett made amends soon afterwards, gifting a try to wing Rico Gear after a beautiful chip and regather.
In the end the nine-point margin reflected the amount of possession the Blues gained, although their pack, featuring eight current or former All Blacks, would have been worried after being steamrolled at scrumtime by a Crusaders pack featuring just two players to have worn the black jersey.
Lions v Waratahs
Lions 16 - Waratahs 25
The Waratahs made a winning start to their 2007 Super 14 campaign with a 25-16 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Waratahs made the most of their opportunities, scoring three tries to one despite being kept on their toes by an enthusiastic Lions outfit.
In the end composure and experience won it for the Waratahs, who secured victory 12 minutes from time when Adam Freier crossed out wide.
Freier’s try came about one phase after Lions centre Jacque Fourie was yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Lote Tuqiri.
The Waratahs, who only arrived in the Republic late on Wednesday after deliberately delaying their departure ahead of a three-game tour, showed no ill-effects as they looked to get the upper hand early.
Seeing off an early challenge the visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a penalty to Peter Hewat, however the advantage was soon nullified when Lions flyhalf Louis Strydom – a late replacement for injured pivot, goal kicker and skipper Andre Pretorius – piloted a penalty of his own through the posts.
The Waratahs scored the first try of the match on 26 minutes, flyhalf Daniel Halangahu taking advantage of hesitation in the Lions defence to plant the ball on the line for an 8-3 lead.
A second Strydom penalty three minutes later took the score along to 8-6, however Waratahs flanker and man of the match Rocky Elsom would land a decisive blow just before half time when he went over out wide.
After a neat piece of counter attack from Sam Norton-Knight, Elsom shrugged off two would be tacklers to touch down just inside the right hand corner post.
Referee Chris Pollock went to the television match official who awarded the try, which Hewat converted for a 15-6 half time lead.
A rejuvenated Lions outfit emerged after half time, rookie winger Louis Ludik showing a clean pair of heels to touch down in the 42nd minute to narrow the gap to 15-13.
Hewat bought the Waratahs breathing space with a penalty ten minutes after the break, while Strydom countered with one of his own 12 minutes later.
With just two points separating the sides heading into the final quarter of the match the sin-binning of Fourie would ultimately prove decisive, Freier touching down off a well executed lineout and driving maul on the very next phase.
The try was converted by Hewat and despite one final shot at penalty – which was wide once again – the Lions could not bridge the gap, the Waratahs running out deserving 25-16 winners.
Elsom was a deserving man of the match for the Waratahs, while debutants Ben Hand, Dean Mumm and Kurtley Beale all showed themselves to be up to the rigours of Super 14 competition.
Other results (I haven't seen these games so unable to write resports yet)
Western Force 7-8 Highlanders
Chiefs 15-21 ACT Brumbies
Sharks 17-3 Blue Bulls
Sunday Game
Cheetahs v Stormers
Cheetahs 27-9 Stromers
The Cheetahs stormed to the top of the Super 14 table with a 27-9 victory over the Stormers in their season-opener in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
Hooker Adrian Strauss gave the hosts the shortly before half-time with the opening try of the game and they capitalised on their superiority with further tries from CJ van der Linde and Kabamba Floors after the break.
Meyer Bosman kicked four penalties for the Cheetahs while Naas Oliver kicked all of the visitors' points courtesy of three penalties.
Cheetahs (5) 27
Tries: Strauss, Van der Linde, Floors
Pen: Bosman 4
Stormers (0) 9
Pen: Olivier 3
Reds V Hurricanes
Reds 25- 16 Hurricanes
Quotes from Super14.com
Eddie Jones celebrated his first Super 14 game in charge of Queensland with a rugged 25-16 upset over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The former Wallabies coach masterminded the Reds first opening round win in six years with his young aggressive pack pick-and-driving over the top of last season's finalists.
The talented Queensland forwards ripped in from the kick-off to burrow their way through a Hurricanes pack missing five rested All Blacks and frustrated by the trench warfare.
Young playmaker Berrick Barnes, who engineered a 27th minute try to Mitchell Chapman, provided the direction in classy touches while league recruit Clinton Schifcofske kicked them home.
The former Canberra Raiders skipper enjoyed a 20-point debut, kicking six from eight with the boot, and showing a customary cool head at fullback.
Barnes virtually sealed the win with 16 minutes left when he coolly nailed a 40m drop goal to give the home side a 25-9 lead in front of 22,654 appreciative fans.
While there was little to be entertained by in the tight, abrasive play, the Brisbane crowd was delighted to see an early win.
It also allowed veteran centre Ben Tune, who showed his class with his few limited touches, and hooker Sean Hardman to uncork hearty celebrations for their 100th games for their state.
The Reds weren't thrown off their rugged plans despite the game going to uncontested scrums in the 44th minute when Tim Fairbrother (wrist) became the second Hurricanes prop to fall to injury.
Lock Hugh McMeniman revelled in the ugly yet effective play, pulling off a number of huge hits in defence and bashing his way over the gain line in attack.
"It's a very special win," said Barnes.
"The forwards were a big part of it tonight. They laid the platform and Clinton kicked bloody well too."
It took just five minutes for Schifcofske to show why Jones chased him so hard last year, kicking two penalty goals to give the Reds an early 6-0 buffer.
The former Queensland State of Origin player also brought the parochial crowd to their collective feet with a break from a superb inside ball by Barnes.
Jimmy Gopperth hit back with a penalty of his own after a high shot by David Croft on halfback Chris Smylie that saw tempers fray in the Reds quarter.
Milestone man Ben Tune and young general Barnes brought the game to life in the 27th minute when the five-eighth broke the line and handed off for Tune who was pulled down 5m out by Cory Jane.
Quick recycling then allowed Barnes to catch the defence out with a cross-field kick aimed at the left corner where flanker Mitchell Chapman took a fine overhead take to score.
Lock James Horwill paid the price for a string of breakdown infringements when he was sin-binned late in the first half, while Chapman got his marching orders in the dying minutes before fullback Jane gave a late scare with a classy 74th minute try.
Blues v Crusaders
Blues 34 - 25 Crusaders
The Blues endured a nervous last 10 minutes with their captain Troy Flavell in the sinbin for stomping before beating the Crusaders 34-25 in the first game of the Super 14 rugby season tonight.
With the game delicately poised at 34-25 with just 10 minutes left, Flavell was sinbinned for stomping on a prone Crusader in a ruck.
It soured what had otherwise been a superb performance from the lock, who is looking to revive his All Blacks career, as he laid on two tries for his teammates with outstanding offloads.
With a long history of disciplinary trouble behind him, the question will be asked again of Flavell -- can he keep his head under pressure? Were Flavell the influential forward of the game, Blues first five-eighth Isa Nacewa´s seven successful goalkicks proved the difference between the two teams, as each scored three tries.
The first try of the competition was a beauty, going to All Blacks hopeful Isaia Toeava.
After a surging run upfield from fullback George Pisi, wing Anthony Tuitavake split the Crusaders defence wide open, offloaded to Flavell, who flicked the final pass to Toeava to go over untroubled.
The Crusaders were lucky to go to the break only 13-19 down, having trailed by as many as 13 before Blues halfback David Gibson kicked directly into his own prop John Afoa as he tried to clear the line.
The Crusaders secured possession and captain Corey Flynn barged over, giving justification to his choice to pass up a penalty kick at goal.
Tries flowed thick and fast after halftime, a pair each as the Crusaders came back each time the Blues looked like putting the game beyond doubt.
Firstly, Blues replacement Rudi Wulf got on the scoresheet before former All Black Mose Tuiali´i replied for the Crusaders.
Blues wing Doug Howlett then scored for his side after Luke McAlister came off the bench, handed off Casey Laulala and Stephen Brett before giving Howlett an open run to the line.
First five-eighth Brett made amends soon afterwards, gifting a try to wing Rico Gear after a beautiful chip and regather.
In the end the nine-point margin reflected the amount of possession the Blues gained, although their pack, featuring eight current or former All Blacks, would have been worried after being steamrolled at scrumtime by a Crusaders pack featuring just two players to have worn the black jersey.
Lions v Waratahs
Lions 16 - Waratahs 25
The Waratahs made a winning start to their 2007 Super 14 campaign with a 25-16 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The Waratahs made the most of their opportunities, scoring three tries to one despite being kept on their toes by an enthusiastic Lions outfit.
In the end composure and experience won it for the Waratahs, who secured victory 12 minutes from time when Adam Freier crossed out wide.
Freier’s try came about one phase after Lions centre Jacque Fourie was yellow carded for a lifting tackle on Lote Tuqiri.
The Waratahs, who only arrived in the Republic late on Wednesday after deliberately delaying their departure ahead of a three-game tour, showed no ill-effects as they looked to get the upper hand early.
Seeing off an early challenge the visitors opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a penalty to Peter Hewat, however the advantage was soon nullified when Lions flyhalf Louis Strydom – a late replacement for injured pivot, goal kicker and skipper Andre Pretorius – piloted a penalty of his own through the posts.
The Waratahs scored the first try of the match on 26 minutes, flyhalf Daniel Halangahu taking advantage of hesitation in the Lions defence to plant the ball on the line for an 8-3 lead.
A second Strydom penalty three minutes later took the score along to 8-6, however Waratahs flanker and man of the match Rocky Elsom would land a decisive blow just before half time when he went over out wide.
After a neat piece of counter attack from Sam Norton-Knight, Elsom shrugged off two would be tacklers to touch down just inside the right hand corner post.
Referee Chris Pollock went to the television match official who awarded the try, which Hewat converted for a 15-6 half time lead.
A rejuvenated Lions outfit emerged after half time, rookie winger Louis Ludik showing a clean pair of heels to touch down in the 42nd minute to narrow the gap to 15-13.
Hewat bought the Waratahs breathing space with a penalty ten minutes after the break, while Strydom countered with one of his own 12 minutes later.
With just two points separating the sides heading into the final quarter of the match the sin-binning of Fourie would ultimately prove decisive, Freier touching down off a well executed lineout and driving maul on the very next phase.
The try was converted by Hewat and despite one final shot at penalty – which was wide once again – the Lions could not bridge the gap, the Waratahs running out deserving 25-16 winners.
Elsom was a deserving man of the match for the Waratahs, while debutants Ben Hand, Dean Mumm and Kurtley Beale all showed themselves to be up to the rigours of Super 14 competition.
Other results (I haven't seen these games so unable to write resports yet)
Western Force 7-8 Highlanders
Chiefs 15-21 ACT Brumbies
Sharks 17-3 Blue Bulls
Sunday Game
Cheetahs v Stormers
Cheetahs 27-9 Stromers
The Cheetahs stormed to the top of the Super 14 table with a 27-9 victory over the Stormers in their season-opener in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
Hooker Adrian Strauss gave the hosts the shortly before half-time with the opening try of the game and they capitalised on their superiority with further tries from CJ van der Linde and Kabamba Floors after the break.
Meyer Bosman kicked four penalties for the Cheetahs while Naas Oliver kicked all of the visitors' points courtesy of three penalties.
Cheetahs (5) 27
Tries: Strauss, Van der Linde, Floors
Pen: Bosman 4
Stormers (0) 9
Pen: Olivier 3