Mon 27 Feb 2012 | 07:30
Reds winger Dom Shipperly scores last-gasp try to defeat the Waratahs

11
Comments

Dom Shipperly came from nowhere to score the winning try for the Reds in their Super Rugby opening weekend meeting with the Waratahs in Sydney. Here's a look at the final play of the game, and the moment that might secure the young flyer's starting berth.

The Waratahs led the Reds 21-18 as the clock ticked down in Sydney, before a needless loss of possesion gave the visitors a chance to capitalise, and capitalise they did.

Speedster Shipperley, who has reportedly outstripped 'Rocket' Rod Davies numerous times in training, got his chance out wide and burnt the opposition. As the siren went, it was up to covering tackler Bernard Foley to make the desperate tackle, but the Reds man was too quick.

"It was one of those moments where you don't even think. It just happens," he said.

With Davies fit again, it will be interesting to see who the starting spot goes to for their next game, a predicament that coach Ewen McKenzie isn't too concerned about.

"I love selection headaches," McKenzie said. "It's good to have something to think about at the selection table. Dom got an opportunity and made the most of it. He saved the day in the end."

You can view highlights of this match here, and every other Super Rugby game of Round 1 in our new Super Rugby Extra section, which features short highlights from each match.

11 Comments

  • pretzel
    2:22 AM 01/03/2012

    I think he was saying it was luck on Shipperly's part, luck that the Tah's defence was so bad.. But I understand what you mean.

  • stroudos
    4:48 PM 28/02/2012

    Falling to the ground cynically was in there too! Tom Carter at 0:28, trying to con the ref instead of properly chasing the kick that he's just called for. Bit more pressure on Reds returning that kick could have been crucial.

  • guy
    3:29 PM 28/02/2012

    We're only missing a fair amount of ass-groping. Add that to the occasion, along with the current trend of falling to the ground whenever an opponent touches you in order to get him sent off, and yeah.....you've basicly got soccer as a result.

    It's a really big shame.

  • sp1nlo0p
    10:55 AM 28/02/2012

    that Shipperly guy was nowhere to be seen for 79min in this game, because he left all his gas in the tank for the last minute try.
    shocking defense and absolute heartbreak for Waratahs Fans

  • 4:37 AM 28/02/2012

    Tom Carter is an assclown. He's like a less talented version of Quade Cooper. Celebrates every try like he's god's gift to rugby and like he made it happen all on his own, but he can't defend worth shit. Least enjoyable player on the Tahs, hands down.

    Shame to see the Reds win it, but at least it happened in a pretty spectacular way. You can't really complain about matches that end in a whirlwind, regardless of the result.

  • donkeyballs4000
    2:19 AM 28/02/2012

    2 v 5, 70 metres out. Absolutely shocking defending there. They should be ashamed of themselves. I can't even concede that it might be due to lack of match fitness/focus, it was embarrassing. That being said, amazing pace from Shipperly after 80mins.

  • bunn
    1:49 AM 28/02/2012

    They don't have many different camera angles in Australia do they?

  • themull
    12:37 AM 28/02/2012

    What a stupid kick...You're winning, with possession of the ball and you kick it right back to the opposition..Sure it put them back in their own 22 but it still gave them the opportunity to score..That ball should have sat at that ruck for another good few seconds, given to a forward, into contact..Repeat three or four times and that's the game...

  • porto
    10:59 PM 27/02/2012

    Check out Carter giving Ioane a spray @ 0.25 after he turns over the ball. He gave Genia a smartarse pat on the head earlier in the game after his turnover led to the Tahs first try. Talk about a tosser. I hope Ioane & Genia found him after the game to wish him all the best :)

  • ron_mexico
    10:20 PM 27/02/2012

    Love the commentators saying "great kick" in the first place. That guy seems unbelievable quick, wow

  • stubby
    10:04 PM 27/02/2012

    Waratah brain cramp.