Reds Beat Waratahs to open Super Rugby Pacific season

A six-try effort has earned the Queensland Reds a strong 40-22 victory over NSW Waratahs to launch the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Reds defied the wet conditions to produce some sparkling moments behind their dominant pack at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Classy young flyhalf Tom Lynagh was impressive with his game-control and general kicking for 54 minutes before 19-year-old Harry McLaughlin-Phillips completed the game.

Lynagh’s sharp dart through the line and pass freed up space in an excellent attacking raid just before half-time. A grubber kick ahead by winger Suliasi Vunivalu bounced perfectly for fullback Jordan Petaia.

Petaia was judged to have been tackled early when set to gather the ball on the tryline. The penalty try and yellow card to Waratahs fullback Max Jorgensen fed into the Reds’ 21-15 half-time lead.

The crowd of 14,593 was bigger than any home crowd for the Reds in 2023 and the fans were further rewarded in the second half.

Wallaby hooker Matt Faessler’s second try from well-constructed mauls pushed the lead to 26-15.
Co-captain Tate McDermott extended the lead nearing the hour mark with a short-side dart from a strong 5m scrum in attack.

The scrum was set-up by a huge effort-play by McLaughlin-Phillips, Mac Grealy and Josh Flook who pinned a NSW rival behind the tryline after lock Seru Uru had booted the ball 45m downfield.

“It was a bit clunky in parts but it was good win. We need to stay real because it’s just one game,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.

“We made 14 turnovers. If we make that many against the Hurricanes (next Sunday in Melbourne), half are going to be hurting us.

When asked about the performance of backrowers Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Liam Wright, Kiss was upbeat.

“The effective, accurate workrate of the backrow was unbelievable. Collectively, it was a beautiful effort,” he said.

Added McDermott: “It felt awesome to be back at Suncorp Stadium.

“There’s a confidence growing in the group and we now come up against a very good Kiwi team in the Hurricanes.”

Queensland Reds 40
 
Tries: Matt Faessler 2, Fraser McReight, Hunter Paisami, Tate McDermott, penalty try
Conversions: Tom Lynagh 2, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 2
 
NSW Waratahs 22
 
Tries: Dylan Pietsch 2, Jake Gordon
Conversions: Tane Edmed 2
Penalties: Tane Edmed