GOATS AND RUGBY

The Reds began their three match rugby tour of South Africa offering to donate one farm goat for every try scored and a “bonus goat” every time they racked up a bonus point earning four tries or more. The campaign struck a chord with fans who also donated cash to the appeal, while Fox Sports jumped aboard by matching the Reds “goat for goat”. Thirteen tries later (plus two “bonus goats”) and the total passed $2,000, or 54 goats to be donated to Oxfam’s Unwrapped initiative, which provides the animals to traditional goat herding villagers in Mozambique . The fifth placed Reds now take their try scoring skills to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday when they play competition leaders the Bulls in front of a loyal home crowd, delighted to see them back after a month’s absence (kickoff 7.30pm). Who got the goats? The Reds’ outside backs got among the goats with seven tries between wingers Rod Davies (2) and Digby Ioane, outside centre Will Chambers (2) and fullback Peter Hynes (2).

Flyhalf Quade Cooper also scored a brace of goats while captain Will Genia chipped in with a single. Among the forwards, prop Greg Holmes, hooker Saia Faingaa and backrower Ezra Taylor also contributed a goat each and helped achieve a four try “bonus goat” in two of the games. Quade Cooper 2 triesRod Davies 2 triesWill Chambers 2Peter Hynes 2Greg Holmes 1 Saia Faingaa 1Ezra Taylor 1Digby Ioane 1Will Genia 1(plus two “bonus goats” for four tries or more)