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WFR Conference One Round 1: Pirates Hold Nerve, Magpies and Toa Impress
Conference One Round 1: Pirates Win Suncorp Thriller as Big Statements Shape Opening Weekend
WFR XXX Conference One — Round 1 Review
WFR Conference One has exploded into life, with Round 1 delivering statement wins, breakout performances, injury concerns, and a dramatic WFRTV clash at Suncorp Stadium.
With the featured video match now complete, Brisbane Pirates have joined Hawkes Bay Magpies, Taupō Toa, Edinburgh Cannon, Peninsula Pioneers and Californian Grizzlies in opening their campaigns with victory.
The round showed one clear truth: Conference One will punish slow starts, missed chances and defensive lapses quickly.
Hawkes Bay looked controlled. Taupō looked powerful. Edinburgh looked dangerous. The Pioneers were patient and clinical. California continued their revival. And Brisbane showed real nerve to win a tight Australian showdown.
Pirates Edge Reds in Suncorp Thriller
Brisbane Pirates 28 def. Perth Reds 21 WFRTV Featured Match — Live from Suncorp Stadium
The Brisbane Pirates have opened their Conference One campaign with a thrilling 28-21 victory over the Perth Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
In a match that had all the ingredients of a new Australian rivalry, Brisbane finished with four converted tries and enough composure to hold off a dangerous Perth side that refused to go away.
The Pirates crossed through Matt Faessler, Seru Uru, Elrigh Louw and Angus Scott-Young, with Declan Meredith converting all four tries in a perfect display from the tee.
Perth replied with three converted tries of their own through Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Noah Lolesio, with Lolesio converting all three.
The final numbers showed how tight the match really was. Perth had more possession, 56% to Brisbane’s 44%, and also edged the line-break count 10-9. But Brisbane held the territorial advantage, 53% to 47%, and made better use of their scoring chances.
The Pirates also showed strong attacking variety, with five offloads and four different try scorers. Perth were dangerous throughout and looked capable of stealing the match, but Brisbane’s ability to convert every try and stay composed in the key moments proved decisive.
This was exactly the kind of Round 1 win Brisbane needed. After an uneven pre-season, the Pirates now have a home victory, a major rivalry result and early confidence in the Conference One race.
Standout ⭐ Declan Meredith — Brisbane Pirates
Meredith was flawless from the tee, converting all four Brisbane tries. In a seven-point match, that accuracy was decisive.
Grizzlies Start Strong Against Tokyo
Californian Grizzlies 23 def. Tokyo Shoguns 10
The Californian Grizzlies carried their late pre-season revival into Round 1, defeating Tokyo Shoguns 23-10 in front of 31,578 fans.
Tokyo led 10-6 at halftime after Ryusei Yamaguchi crossed in the 18th minute and Ben Donaldson added a conversion and penalty goal. But the Grizzlies produced a controlled second-half response, taking charge through Jason Damm and Jack Iscaro tries.
Zion Going opened California’s scoring with a drop goal, while Handre Pollard added two conversions and two penalty goals to keep the scoreboard moving.
The defining period came between the 53rd and 65th minutes, when the Grizzlies turned a 10-6 halftime deficit into a 23-10 lead. Damm scored first after a strong Zion Going run, before Iscaro powered over following a TMO review.
Tokyo had moments through Aaron Smith, Lee Seung-sin and Ange Capuozzo, but California defended well late and controlled territory for long stretches.
The Grizzlies spent 50 minutes in opposition territory and held 55% possession. That pressure eventually told.
Standout
⭐ Handre Pollard — Californian Grizzlies
Pollard’s kicking, leadership and second-half control helped California turn the match around. His 10 points from the boot were vital.
Magpies Dominate Paris After Strong Second Half
Hawkes Bay Magpies 33 def. Paris Titans 7
Hawkes Bay Magpies made one of the biggest statements of Round 1, overpowering Paris Titans 33-7 after a dominant second-half surge.
Paris briefly led 7-3 after Jonathan Danty crossed in the 17th minute, but the Magpies responded through Folau Fakatava, who scored in the 30th minute and again just after halftime.
Cam Millar was superb from the tee, finishing with 18 points through three conversions and four penalty goals. His control gave Hawkes Bay constant scoreboard pressure and punished Paris whenever they conceded territory.
The match changed further when Paris lost Martin Meliande to injury early in the second half. The Titans were forced to adjust, and Hawkes Bay immediately increased the pressure.
Te Kamaka Howden scored in the 51st minute after a strong Quinn Tupaea run, pushing the Magpies out to 30-7 and effectively ending the contest.
Hawkes Bay dominated possession with 64% and spent 54 minutes in opposition territory. That territorial control left Paris defending for long periods and unable to build sustained momentum.
Standout
⭐ Folau Fakatava — Hawkes Bay Magpies
Fakatava scored two tries, controlled exits, and gave Hawkes Bay the tempo they needed to take over the match.
Pioneers Shut Down Bombers in Second-Half Surge
Peninsula Pioneers 24 def. Buenos Aires Bombers 7
The Peninsula Pioneers opened their Conference One campaign with a composed 24-7 victory over Buenos Aires Bombers, built almost entirely on a powerful second-half performance.
The first half was a defensive grind, ending 0-0 after both sides missed chances and struggled to turn pressure into points.
But after halftime, the Pioneers found their rhythm.
Yoram Moefana broke the deadlock in the 49th minute before Noah Hotham took control with two tries in the 58th and 65th minutes. Romain Ntamack converted all three tries and later added a penalty goal to complete the Pioneers scoring.
Buenos Aires briefly threatened a comeback when Eduardo Bello crossed in the 61st minute and Felipe Barla converted to cut the margin to 14-7. But Hotham’s second try just four minutes later restored control for the Pioneers.
The Bombers were hurt by two yellow cards, with Ansaldo Santiago Castro sent to the bin in the first half and Marcos Moneta following late in the match.
The Pioneers controlled possession at 59%, won the lineout battle 22-17, and spent 47 minutes in opposition territory.
Standout
⭐ Noah Hotham — Peninsula Pioneers
Hotham was the difference after halftime, scoring twice and guiding the Pioneers through a tight contest with smart kicking and strong tempo.
Edinburgh Cannon Shock Santiago With Five-Try Win
Edinburgh Cannon 35 def. Santiago Condors 14
Edinburgh Cannon produced one of the most impressive Round 1 results, beating Santiago Condors 35-14 away from home.
Jamie Dobie was electric early, scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes to give Edinburgh a 10-0 lead. Nathan Chamberlain added a penalty before halftime, and the Cannon reached the break ahead 13-0.
Santiago had chances, including an 18th-minute TMO review that denied Adam Radwan, but they were unable to break through before halftime.
The Condors finally responded in the 45th minute when Rodrigo Fernandez scored and Tomas Albornoz converted to cut the gap to 13-7. But Edinburgh hit back almost immediately through Aaron Reed, before Elliott Young and Jare Oguntibeju added further second-half tries.
Augusto Bohme scored late for Santiago, but by then Edinburgh had already taken control.
It was a costly afternoon for the Condors. Santiago Pedrero and Inaki Gurruchaga both suffered injuries, while Adam Radwan was shown a red card in the 72nd minute.
Edinburgh were efficient and composed. They had 55% possession, spent 45 minutes in opposition territory, and matched Santiago 20-20 at the lineout.
Standout
⭐ Jamie Dobie — Edinburgh Cannon
Dobie’s early double set the tone and gave Edinburgh the confidence to control the match from the front.
Taupō Toa Power Past Bordeaux
Taupō Toa 28 def. Bordeaux Les Damiers 7
Taupō Toa opened their Conference One season with a strong 28-7 victory over Bordeaux Les Damiers, powered by a brilliant Samipeni Finau hat-trick.
Rivez Reihana opened the scoring with an eighth-minute penalty before Finau crossed in the 12th minute to give Taupō early control. Tupou Vaa’i added a second try in the 25th minute, and Taupō led 13-0 at halftime.
Bordeaux worked hard to stay in the contest and defended several Taupō attacks, including two first-half TMO no-try moments. But the pressure eventually wore them down.
Antoine Zeghdar gave Bordeaux hope in the 59th minute, with Alexandre Perez converting to make it 16-7. But Taupō responded almost immediately.
Finau scored his second try in the 62nd minute, then completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute to seal the match.
Taupō dominated possession at 64%, spent 46 minutes in opposition territory and showed the same attacking danger that made them one of the most exciting teams of pre-season.
Bordeaux also suffered a setback when captain Jules Coulon was injured and ruled out for at least two to three games.
Standout
⭐ Samipeni Finau — Taupō Toa
A dominant hat-trick performance. Finau was powerful, direct and decisive every time Taupō attacked close to the line.
Team-by-Team Round 1 Read
Brisbane Pirates
A huge home win to begin Conference One. Brisbane did not dominate possession, but they took their chances, scored four tries and were perfect from the tee. The Pirates now have a strong platform and confidence after winning the Suncorp opener.
Hawkes Bay Magpies
Excellent start. Their 33-7 win over Paris showed control, patience and scoreboard pressure. Cam Millar and Folau Fakatava looked sharp, and the Magpies already look like a serious Conference One contender.
Taupō Toa
Strong and dangerous. Taupō’s forward power and attacking structure were too much for Bordeaux. Samipeni Finau’s hat-trick was one of the performances of the round.
Edinburgh Cannon
One of the biggest Round 1 risers. Their 35-14 win over Santiago was clinical, especially after a fast start. Jamie Dobie, Nathan Chamberlain and the Cannon pack were excellent.
Peninsula Pioneers
Tough, controlled and patient. Their first half was frustrating, but the second half showed real quality. Noah Hotham and Romain Ntamack give them a strong tactical spine.
Californian Grizzlies
Their revival continues. After an up-and-down pre-season, California opened with a solid win over Tokyo. Pollard, Zion Going, Jason Damm and Jack Iscaro all stood up.
Perth Reds
A tough loss, but there is plenty to like. Perth had more possession, edged the line-break count and scored three converted tries. Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Noah Lolesio all crossed, but the Reds were just short in the key moments.
Tokyo Shoguns
There were promising signs, especially in the first half. Ryusei Yamaguchi’s try and Ben Donaldson’s control gave Tokyo a halftime lead, but they faded after the break and need stronger second-half execution.
Buenos Aires Bombers
The Bombers defended well early but struggled to convert pressure into points. Their discipline hurt them, and the two yellow cards gave the Pioneers too many chances.
Santiago Condors
A disappointing start after some strong pre-season moments. Injuries and a red card made the afternoon worse. They have attacking talent, but need to recover quickly.
Bordeaux Les Damiers
Bordeaux defended bravely for long stretches but struggled for possession and lost captain Jules Coulon to injury. They need more attacking rhythm next week.
Paris Titans
Paris started well against Hawkes Bay but lost control after halftime. Martin Meliande’s injury is a major concern, and the Titans will need to reset quickly.
Players Standing Out After Round 1
Samipeni Finau — Taupō Toa
Three tries against Bordeaux and a huge physical presence. A genuine Round 1 headline performer.
Jamie Dobie — Edinburgh
Cannon Two tries in the opening seven minutes against Santiago. He set the tone for one of the round’s most impressive away wins.
Folau Fakatava — Hawkes Bay Magpies
Two tries and strong territorial control. Fakatava gave Hawkes Bay rhythm and direction.
Noah Hotham — Peninsula Pioneers
Two second-half tries and excellent game control. Hotham helped crack open a scoreless arm wrestle.
Cam Millar — Hawkes Bay Magpies
A superb kicking performance, finishing with 18 points and keeping the Magpies in complete control.
Declan Meredith — Brisbane Pirates
Perfect from the tee with four conversions from four. In a seven-point Suncorp thriller, that accuracy was decisive.
Handre Pollard — Californian Grizzlies
Controlled California’s second-half comeback and kicked 10 important points.
Romain Ntamack — Peninsula Pioneers
Perfect from conversions and steady under pressure. Ntamack remains central to the Pioneers’ identity.
Nathan Chamberlain — Edinburgh Cannon
Kicked well, controlled territory and added important points as Edinburgh pulled away.
Noah Lolesio — Perth Reds
Scored one of Perth’s three tries and converted all three. A strong effort in a losing side.
Early Conference One Picture
Round 1 has already shown that Conference One will be fiercely competitive.
Hawkes Bay look polished. Taupō look powerful. Edinburgh look dangerous. The Pioneers look disciplined and difficult to break. California look like they are building belief. Brisbane have made a strong home statement.
But there are warning signs elsewhere. Santiago need to manage injuries and discipline. Paris must adjust quickly after losing Meliande. Bordeaux need more possession and attacking spark. Buenos Aires must clean up yellow-card pressure. Tokyo need to turn strong starts into full-match performances. Perth showed enough to compete, but they will want to convert their possession advantage into results.
Conference One has started fast.
The race is already alive.