Ex-Wallaby: Carter Gordon’s Super Rugby form ‘great for the game’

Former Wallabies scrum-half Nick Phipps believes Carter Gordon’s purple patch in Super Rugby Pacific is “great for the game”, with the fly-half scoring a double in last weekend’s 26-17 win over the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane.

Gordon secured a return to rugby union ahead of last year’s Spring Tour, signing with the Reds and Rugby Australia through to 2028. The playmaker had spent time in rugby league with the Tweed Seagulls and NRL side the Gold Coast Titians.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt named Gordon in the starting side for a Test against Italy in Udine, with the No. 10 scoring a try in the 26-17 defeat. But injury prevented Gordon from making more than one appearance during the Autumn Nations Series.

The 25-year-old has since debuted for Queensland at Super Rugby Pacific level, named in the run-on side as the Reds beat the Highlanders 31-14 on February 27 before suiting up against the ACT Brumbies and the Waratahs.

Gordon produced highlight-reel plays in both Australian derby victories, scoring an 82^nd-minute match-winner away to the Brumbies in Canberra. The pivot stole the show against the Tahs as well, which included the team’s first try of the second half.

“This was a game-breaking moment. Jock Campbell was outstanding during the game, he was everywhere, very elusive, popping up in the right areas,” Phipps said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.

“This is a great try from Carter Gordon, always picking up knowing where the ball is going to land, that’s what good players do.

“The Reds started to get that momentum towards the back end of the game… both teams really having a crack, wanting to get down there and score some points.

“Fans were treated to it after a tough first 40 start.”

Points Flow Chart

Reds win +9

Time in lead

21

Mins in lead

11

26%

% Of Game In Lead

14%

34%

Possession Last 10 min

66%

14

Points Last 10 min

0

Gordon brought the Reds and Waratahs level with that effort in the 63^rd minute, but the visitors hit back immediately through Harry Potter. In-form winger Max Jorgensen set up the score, which was Potter’s first try in Cambridge Blue and white.

New South Wales led by five with about 10 minutes to play, before Filipo Daugunu set up try-scorer Isaac Henry. Campbell added the extras to put Queensland ahead, but there was still plenty of drama left in this contest.

Triston Reilly came within inches of a spectacular somersault try in the corner, which would’ve seen the Waratahs regain the lead. But instead it was the Reds who struck next, with Gordon icing the win with a remarkable runaway effort.

Gordon skipped through tackle attempts from Isaac Kailea and Miles Amatosero before beating Potter with sheer pace near the right sideline. For the second week in a row, Gordon created something from nothing when the Reds needed it most.

“He’s making his own luck by turning up in the right areas,” Phipps explained.

“This is seemingly nothing and he’s just looking to find space, scoots through there and look at the speed just here to kick away into the corner. Getting the dust on Potter is just unbelievable speed. This is the 75^th minute of the game, he’s been working the whole game as well.

“This is really good signs I think not just for the Reds but for Australia. He’s confident, he’s playing well, his body looks good, he seems to be really enjoying it. This is great for the game, to see him playing his best footy.”