Super W match between Reds and Brumbies suspended for 30 minutes as storm lashes Suncorp Stadium
Women’s Super Rugby match suspended for 30 minutes due to WILD storms and lightning at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, raising fears for player safety
- Reds defeated ACT Brumbies
- Came after the game was suspended
- Lightning flashed over the stadium
An intense electrical storm caused chaos during Friday night’s Super W match between the Reds and Brumbies, resulting in a 30-minute delay.
Lightning strikes within 3 miles of Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium sent players and fans scrambling for cover until the storm passed.
However, the game eventually resumed with the Reds winning 20-10 to maintain their undefeated record this year.
Stan Sport’s Nick McArdle described the event as “one of the most bizarre matches you’ll ever see due to the lightning that was around Suncorp Stadium, half an hour late in the second half, but still a great game from Super W.”
Despite the excitement of the unexpected delay, it was a difficult situation for both teams to navigate.
Tania Naden of the Brumbies takes on defense in Super W match won by Queensland despite storm stoppage
“The most important thing is the unknown,” said commentator and Wallabies assistant coach Dan McKellar.
“Like, are we actually going back on the field? Will it be 10 minutes? Is it five, is it 25 minutes? You’re not sure.
“So when you get the call from the referee that we’re back, then you just have to reset, make sure your mindset is where it needs to be and go out and execute.”
No points were scored after the resumption of play, and former Reds captain Kiri Lingman praised the Reds for disposing of a resurgent Brumbies after the break.
“It was almost third-party play that we saw there, constant dynamic changes,” said the former flanker.
“The Brumbies probably benefit more from that break, as we saw those last 10-15 minutes coming. But it was a close game and the Reds were lucky to get away with it.
Lightning strikes over Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium forced the Super W clash between the Reds and Brumbies to be suspended for 30 minutes
Brave spectators took cover every way they could when a storm in Queensland hit the stadium during the Super W match
The Brumbies’ Tabua Tuinakauvadra tries to break away from the defense in the storm-stopped game
In the end, it was Queensland center Briana Dascombe who proved to be the difference between the two sides, scoring two impressive tries.
Dascombe used her incredible speed and agility to break through the Brumbies defense on her first try, before knocking down a kick and displaying her clever dribbling skills to score her second.
Lingman praised Dascombe’s incredible performance, saying “Briana Dascombe debuted last year and only got a few minutes here and there in the 2022 season.”
“So she obviously put in a lot of work in the offseason and preseason and she just took that 13 jersey and ran with it.”
With the Reds now 3-0 and the Brumbies 0-3, the stage is set for some exciting Super W matches this weekend.