Fiji-born Reds wing Eto Nabuli scored a hat-trick last night but it was not enough as they went down 26-19 to Western Force in Perth.
Tries from the Western Force’s Chance Peni and Matt Philip cancelled out Eto Nabuli’s first half double as the teams went into the break at 12‑all.
Nabuli then scored his third try with 15 minutes left in the match.
Western Force centre Curtis Rona then scored a try with 10 minutes to go but Ian Prior’s third penalty that sealed the 26-19 win for Western Force.
Next week Western Force travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies while the Reds host the Crusaders in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs clash with the Blues at 6.35 tonight.
The Hurricanes meet the Rebels at 4.15pm tomorrow, the Highlanders clash with the Crusaders at 6.35pm tomorrow while the Brumbies meet the Sharks at 8.45pm.
The Final score is Western Force 26 (12) Reds 19 (12)
Scorers
Western Force
Tries – Peni, Philip, Rona
Pen – Prior (3)
Con – Lance
Reds
Tries – Nabuli (3)
Con – Cooper (2)
Cards – Fa’agase (Yellow, 67th minute)
