Samipeni Finau of the Chiefs is tackled during the quarter-final clash.Credit:Getty
Tom Lynagh missed the conversion and then an easier penalty kick from another crunching Daugunu tackle,the Chiefs edging ahead courtesy of McKenzie’s accurate boot.
He kicked three straight three-pointers before Wilson timed his pluck from the ruck just right to roll over for the Reds’ second try.
Again Lynagh missed the conversion,but they threatened again when the Reds’ depleted pack won another penalty against the competition’s best scrum.
But their usually-reliable lineout let them down,the Chiefs hitting top gear to score after the halftime siren through Emoni Narawa and snatch a 14-10 lead.
Zane Nonggorr and the Reds look dejected after the full-time siren.Credit:Getty
Daugunu went off with a shoulder injury to begin the second half but the Reds kept at it,Vunivalu grabbing the ball from the ruck and skipping to complete his try double.
Lynagh,who had kicked a long-range penalty then managed a superb 50-22 of his own,nailed the conversion to put the Reds ahead before a McKenzie penalty swung it again.