WFR News
PIRATES MAKE A STATEMENT AS TAUPO ARE SWEPT ASIDE 46-7
2026-06-29 12:36:06
Brisbane continue remarkable start to inaugural WFR campaign with commanding away victory
Four rounds into their inaugural World Fantasy Rugby campaign, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. The Brisbane Pirates are no longer simply an exciting expansion club. They are genuine Conference One contenders.
The Pirates produced their most complete performance of the season on Saturday, dismantling Taupo Toa 46-7 on the road to improve to three wins from their opening four matches and announce themselves as one of the competition's early success stories.
Against a Taupo side that entered the round in outstanding form after victories over Californian Grizzlies and Peninsula Pioneers, Brisbane dominated almost every facet of the contest. The result sent a clear message to the rest of Conference One. Ignore the Pirates at your peril.
Captain Leads By Example
Fraser McReight once again demonstrated why he was entrusted with leading Brisbane into its maiden WFR season. The skipper opened the Pirates' account after just ten minutes and was immense throughout the contest, combining relentless defence with trademark work at the breakdown. His leadership has become the foundation upon which Brisbane's rapid rise has been built.
Meredith Comes Of Age
If there was one player who epitomised Brisbane's growth, it was flyhalf Declan Meredith. Meredith enjoyed the finest performance of his young WFR career, contributing 19 points through five conversions and two penalty goals while expertly controlling field position. His kicking game repeatedly forced Taupo into difficult situations, while his calm decision-making allowed Brisbane to capitalise whenever opportunities presented themselves. Week by week, Meredith is developing into one of Conference One's most composed playmakers.
Uru Delivers His Best Performance
Seru Uru produced a standout display that underlined Brisbane's growing depth. The athletic forward crossed twice, carried powerfully throughout the afternoon and was a constant threat whenever the Pirates attacked. Together with Tom Hooper and Angus Scott-Young, Brisbane's forward pack consistently won the collisions and laid the platform for the backs to flourish. Hooper and Scott-Young were both rewarded with well-deserved tries, while Dylan Pietsch continued his impressive season with another five-pointer shortly after halftime.
Complete Performance
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect for Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head was the manner in which Brisbane controlled the contest. The Pirates enjoyed 61% possession, won both the scrum and lineout battles and spent significantly more time inside Taupo territory. While Taupo managed a single converted try through Evan Roos late in the opening half, Brisbane never allowed the home side to build any sustained momentum.
Their defensive discipline remained outstanding, repeatedly forcing errors and frustrating one of Conference One's more dangerous attacking outfits.
Reinach And Kellaway Pull The Strings
Veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach once again proved invaluable, expertly controlling the tempo and consistently putting Brisbane in the right parts of the field. Behind him, Andrew Kellaway was electric. Twice his incisive running opened Taupo's defence, creating scoring opportunities and keeping the Pirates on the front foot throughout the afternoon. Their experience continues to accelerate Brisbane's development.
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head praised his players but was quick to remind them that the season remains in its early stages: "We're building something we're proud of. The pleasing part isn't the scoreline. It's the consistency of our effort. Four rounds don't define a season. We've earned some respect—but now we have to keep earning it."
Pirate of the Match
Seru Uru
Two tries, dominant carries and an immense defensive contribution made Uru the standout performer in Taupo. His ability to influence both sides of the ball was central to Brisbane's biggest win of the season.
Player to Watch
Declan Meredith
Every week the young flyhalf looks more comfortable directing Brisbane's attack. His 19-point haul and assured tactical display suggest he is rapidly emerging as one of the competition's brightest young No.10s.
By The Numbers
Final Score: Brisbane Pirates 46 – Taupo Toa 7
Possession: 61.25%
Scrums Won: 6–4
Lineouts Won: 12–9
Time in Opposition Half: 42 minutes
Tries: McReight, Seru Uru (2), Tom Hooper, Dylan Pietsch, Angus Scott-Young
Points from the Boot: Declan Meredith 19 (5 conversions, 2 penalties)
Conference One Taking Shape
After four rounds, Brisbane has firmly established itself among the leading contenders in Conference One.
Victories over Perth Reds, Tokyo Shoguns and now Taupo Toa have demonstrated the Pirates' ability to perform against quality opposition, while the narrow defeat in Buenos Aires remains their only blemish.
With confidence building and combinations strengthening each week, Brisbane's attention now turns to the next challenge.
One thing is already certain.
The Pirates are no longer surprising people.
They're setting the pace.
Final Score
Taupo Toa 7
(Try: Evan Roos. Conversion: Tepaea Cook-Savage)
Brisbane Pirates 46
(Tries: Fraser McReight, Seru Uru (2), Tom Hooper, Dylan Pietsch, Angus Scott-Young. Conversions: Declan Meredith 5/6. Penalty Goals: Declan Meredith 2/2.)
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Four rounds into their inaugural World Fantasy Rugby campaign, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. The Brisbane Pirates are no longer simply an exciting expansion club. They are genuine Conference One contenders.
The Pirates produced their most complete performance of the season on Saturday, dismantling Taupo Toa 46-7 on the road to improve to three wins from their opening four matches and announce themselves as one of the competition's early success stories.
Against a Taupo side that entered the round in outstanding form after victories over Californian Grizzlies and Peninsula Pioneers, Brisbane dominated almost every facet of the contest. The result sent a clear message to the rest of Conference One. Ignore the Pirates at your peril.
Captain Leads By Example
Fraser McReight once again demonstrated why he was entrusted with leading Brisbane into its maiden WFR season. The skipper opened the Pirates' account after just ten minutes and was immense throughout the contest, combining relentless defence with trademark work at the breakdown. His leadership has become the foundation upon which Brisbane's rapid rise has been built.
Meredith Comes Of Age
If there was one player who epitomised Brisbane's growth, it was flyhalf Declan Meredith. Meredith enjoyed the finest performance of his young WFR career, contributing 19 points through five conversions and two penalty goals while expertly controlling field position. His kicking game repeatedly forced Taupo into difficult situations, while his calm decision-making allowed Brisbane to capitalise whenever opportunities presented themselves. Week by week, Meredith is developing into one of Conference One's most composed playmakers.
Uru Delivers His Best Performance
Seru Uru produced a standout display that underlined Brisbane's growing depth. The athletic forward crossed twice, carried powerfully throughout the afternoon and was a constant threat whenever the Pirates attacked. Together with Tom Hooper and Angus Scott-Young, Brisbane's forward pack consistently won the collisions and laid the platform for the backs to flourish. Hooper and Scott-Young were both rewarded with well-deserved tries, while Dylan Pietsch continued his impressive season with another five-pointer shortly after halftime.
Complete Performance
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect for Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head was the manner in which Brisbane controlled the contest. The Pirates enjoyed 61% possession, won both the scrum and lineout battles and spent significantly more time inside Taupo territory. While Taupo managed a single converted try through Evan Roos late in the opening half, Brisbane never allowed the home side to build any sustained momentum.
Their defensive discipline remained outstanding, repeatedly forcing errors and frustrating one of Conference One's more dangerous attacking outfits.
Reinach And Kellaway Pull The Strings
Veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach once again proved invaluable, expertly controlling the tempo and consistently putting Brisbane in the right parts of the field. Behind him, Andrew Kellaway was electric. Twice his incisive running opened Taupo's defence, creating scoring opportunities and keeping the Pirates on the front foot throughout the afternoon. Their experience continues to accelerate Brisbane's development.
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Andy "Skull" Head praised his players but was quick to remind them that the season remains in its early stages: "We're building something we're proud of. The pleasing part isn't the scoreline. It's the consistency of our effort. Four rounds don't define a season. We've earned some respect—but now we have to keep earning it."
Pirate of the Match
Seru Uru
Two tries, dominant carries and an immense defensive contribution made Uru the standout performer in Taupo. His ability to influence both sides of the ball was central to Brisbane's biggest win of the season.
Player to Watch
Declan Meredith
Every week the young flyhalf looks more comfortable directing Brisbane's attack. His 19-point haul and assured tactical display suggest he is rapidly emerging as one of the competition's brightest young No.10s.
By The Numbers
Final Score: Brisbane Pirates 46 – Taupo Toa 7
Possession: 61.25%
Scrums Won: 6–4
Lineouts Won: 12–9
Time in Opposition Half: 42 minutes
Tries: McReight, Seru Uru (2), Tom Hooper, Dylan Pietsch, Angus Scott-Young
Points from the Boot: Declan Meredith 19 (5 conversions, 2 penalties)
Conference One Taking Shape
After four rounds, Brisbane has firmly established itself among the leading contenders in Conference One.
Victories over Perth Reds, Tokyo Shoguns and now Taupo Toa have demonstrated the Pirates' ability to perform against quality opposition, while the narrow defeat in Buenos Aires remains their only blemish.
With confidence building and combinations strengthening each week, Brisbane's attention now turns to the next challenge.
One thing is already certain.
The Pirates are no longer surprising people.
They're setting the pace.
Final Score
Taupo Toa 7
(Try: Evan Roos. Conversion: Tepaea Cook-Savage)
Brisbane Pirates 46
(Tries: Fraser McReight, Seru Uru (2), Tom Hooper, Dylan Pietsch, Angus Scott-Young. Conversions: Declan Meredith 5/6. Penalty Goals: Declan Meredith 2/2.)