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.
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