Daugunu scores five as Reds thump Rebels
PRE-SEASON REPORT: Filipo Daugunu crossed five times as the Queensland Reds feasted in a Super Rugby trial game mismatch against Melbourne on Friday.
The Reds beat the understrength Rebels 57-5 in Gladstone, with wing Daugunu the benefactor in the first of just two pre-season games before the Super Rugby season begins later this month.
The Rebels went to regional Queensland devoid of their Wallabies stars, with Reece Hodge, Matt Toomua, Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani, Dane Haylett-Petty and Angus Cottrell all missing.
Five years after prematurely ending his contract at the Reds, the returning James O'Connor dominated at No.12 outside flyhalf Isaac Lucas, while scrumhalf Tate McDermott and fullback Bryce Hegarty combined to give the Reds multiple points of attack.
All four playmakers helped set up Daugunu tries, the Fijian flyer notching his hat-trick inside 36 minutes and capping his afternoon with a long-range effort in the second half.
Junior Wallabies star Harry Wilson was also busy as he eyes minutes in the Reds' back row this season, but the side should expect a sterner test in their final hit-out against the Waratahs in Dalby next Friday.
The Reds held back Jordan Petaia, while Wallabies lock Izack Rodda (ankle) was other notable absentee as he pushes to be healthy for the first round on January 31.
Melbourne will play the Brumbies in a Super Rugby trial in Albury next Thursday.
The scorers:
For Queensland Reds:
Tries: Daugunu 5, Paenga-Amosa, Hegarty, Mafi, Sorovi,
Cons: Hegarty 6
For Melbourne Rebels:
Try: Gicquel
Reds:
Forwards: Dane Zander, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Alex Mafi, Sean Farrell, Efi Ma’afu, Taniela Tupou, Dave Feao, Josh Nasser, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Seru Uru.
Backs: Tate McDermott, Moses Sorovi, Isaac Lucas, James O’Connor, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell, Ilaisa Droasese, Bryce Hegarty, Lawson Creighton.
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant referees: Aaron Pook, Brett Cronin