Finally, the drought is over.
Rugby fans on this side of the Tasman rejoiced, as the dry spell ended and the heavens opened.
Yes, after 805 fruitless minutes, Marika Koroibete finally grabbed his first try of the 2021 season.
The Reds also became the first Aussie team to beat a New Zealand side in 457 days.
Actually, I probably should've led with that.
Oh well, let's take a look at the good, the bad and the rugby from round three of Super Rugby trans-Tasman.
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Hurricanes 43, Force 6
After starting the competition as the most consistent Australian side, the Force travelled to Napier and were given their biggest thrashing by the Hurricanes.
The seven tries to nil demolition was spearheaded by sensational Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi and freakishly talented hooker Asafo Aumua.
Aumua should really come with a warning label, as Force midfielder Kyle Godwin can certainly attest, after running straight into the hooker who is built like a small armoured vehicle.
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https://twitter.com/RugbyOnNine/status/1399589327198322690?s=20
Minutes after knocking the aura out of the Force skipper, Aumua latched on to a loose ball from a lineout and scampered nearly 70 metres for a brilliant individual try.
Not bad for a backup.
It won't get any easier for the Force, as they now travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders.
Goodie gumdrops.
Crusaders 54, Waratahs 28
A fantastic afternoon of footy was in store for the good crowd that turned out at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
The enthusiastic fans on the bank were treated to some excellent running rugby – and not just from the Crusaders either.
In fact, a highly unfancied Waratahs side applied themselves pretty well in this game, in spite of the scoreline.
Izaia Perese has been a menace to any defence this year and the Crusaders were no different.
And young star Will Harrison looked to have regained some of his confidence, as he was forced to move from fullback to his more favoured fly half position.
All of a sudden the Waratahs started to threaten on attack, but it was the defensive side of the ball – and, to be fair, quite a helping of Crusaders brilliance – which saw the scoreline blow out.
But still, plenty of positives for the Tahs.
Blues 38, Brumbies 10
The first half of this contest was one of the most enthralling halves of Super Rugby trans-Tasman to date.
It was a real ding-dong battle, with the Brumbies giving as good as they got.
Impressive loose forward Rob Valetini nearly scored a scorching try, but was dragged down by the bootlaces by Blues halfback and possibly the smallest man on the field – Finlay Christie.
Going into the sheds down 17-10, this looked like it could be a close contest.
That's when the Blues – as they've done to a few teams this year – really started to take charge.
Twenty one unanswered points poured more misery on the Brumbies, who finally get to head back to Canberra to take on the Hurricanes, in what could be an intriguing contest.
Reds 40, Chiefs 34
The fun times are back!
The Reds were in seventh heaven, as they ran out to a scarcely believable 33-3 lead at halftime.
The reintroduction of Filipo Daugunu to the wing, and debutant Isaac Henry at centre, proved a masterstroke for Brad Thorn's men in Townsville.
It can be argued that the red card of key Chiefs player Damian McKenzie was a turning point, but the Reds had already shot out to a two try advantage, with Tate McDermott giving the defence all kinds of problems.
The Chiefs would rally though and almost pull off an unthinkable comeback, but a fatigued Reds side had enough in reserve to hold them out for a win that lifts the spirits of the entire nation.
Next up, a massive clash with the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.
Bring it on.
https://twitter.com/RugbyOnNine/status/1398949083948093440?s=20
Highlanders 42, Rebels 27
It was a little odd hearing the Highlanders theme song bellowing out of the speakers at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
Due to COVID complications in Victoria, the match was hastily relocated to the iconic rugby league ground for a Highlanders 'home' game (make sure you remember that for sports trivia in years to come).
The home side started in sparkling fashion with two tries, which were entertaining and effective, but Melbourne would fight back, with a drought-breaking try to Marika Koroibete.
https://twitter.com/MelbourneRebels/status/1398877990134509576?s=20
The Rebels poked their noses in front just after halftime, but ill-discipline turned this match, as Jordan Uelese was sin-binned and the Highlanders grabbed two tries.
But again, the Rebels… well… rebelled and as Koroibete crossed for his second try, everyone started to wonder if it would lead to a second Aussie win.
Yeah, nah.
The Highlanders kicked away again, finishing handy winners.
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