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The three selections that reveal how Les Kiss’ Wallabies will play
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Fraser McReight's take on 84th-minute drama in Super Point defeat
at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
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Reds captain Fraser McReight has provided an insight into what played out during the final stages of Super Round’s matchup between his side and the Blues in Christchurch.
One New Zealand Stadium were treated to a Super Point battle, which was eventually won by the second-place Blues in the 84th minute.
Not everything went the Reds’ way in the contest, with McReight visibly frustrated at full-time with referee James Doleman’s final decision from a ruck in the 84th minute.
McReight appeared to be part of the ruck before believing the ball was out and in the hands of replacement Blues lock Josh Beehre. The Wallabies No.7 attempted to make a tackle or strip the ball, resulting in a penalty right out in front of the posts, just outside of the 22-meter line.
Beauden Barrett made no mistake, securing the victory for the “home side” in Christchurch. Post-match, when asked about the incident, the 39-Test Wallaby was honest with his assessment.
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“Yeah I saw the ball out. I guess it’s tough one, it was a good carry that got past the gain line,” McReight said.
“And yeah, the ref made the right call based on what he saw, I guess as a seven, you live for those moments, there’ll probably be a lot of review on my behalf.
“I could have done better, but you want to put yourself in that position. I guess it’s like a 10 going for drop goal. So unfortunately I was on the wrong side of that decision tonight and didn’t get the win that we really, really wanted.”
Incoming Wallabies head coach Les Kiss then gave his Reds side confidence heading towards their final five games in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, after the heartbreaking defeat against the Blues in Christchurch.
Kiss’ side pushed Vern Cotter’s Blues to the limit, showcasing a never-say-die attitude on Saturday evening.
They currently sit sixth in the standings after eleven rounds, four points ahead of the Waratahs in seventh place, a position where Kiss believes they are dangerous heading into the final stretch.
“Yeah, it’s an interesting one, you don’t like getting locked into a checking the ladder all the time, but it’s impossible because it’s always going to be sitting there in some form in the back of mind, where it all falls,” Kiss said in Christchurch.
“But ultimately it’s one that could have been very important. I don’t think it means anything’s over by any stretch of the imagination, I’m pretty sure the Brumbies, don’t think their seasons over anything based on earlier, there’s still a lot to play for a lot of teams.
“There’s a couple that are probably stretching out in front a little bit. But we have got a game in hand so we’ve got to make the most of that.”
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