Reds Revel in Five-try Return to Suncorp Stadium

It ignited with some attacking magic but it was work ethic that earned the Queensland Reds a strong 31-14 win over the Highlanders tonight.

The Reds were back at home at Suncorp Stadium for the first time in seven months and they revelled in the support of 13,016 fans.

Harry Wilson’s defence to hold up the Highlanders over the line to prevent an early try was only the first time such desperation was needed to stall the dangerous Kiwis.

Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto made nine, short forceful carries, some crunching tackles and scored a try to be a standout in the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific match.

The back three of Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell and Tim Ryan chased kicks, pressured in defence, contested high balls and worked non-stop to thwart the Highlanders with quality effort. Anderson made nine tackles and as many carries with his involved play.

Centre Hunter Paisami ran hard, put his centre partner Josh Flook into an early gap and outplayed his big-name opposite Timoci Tavatavanawai when it mattered in the first half.

Halfback Louis Werchon controlled the rhythm well and his pass was always quick and accurate.

Chalk up 17 tackles to skipper Fraser McReight, a classic first half turnover when needed and the opening try.

The match was 17 minutes old when a Campbell cutout pass found Wilson out wide. The No.8 flipped the ball through his legs to centre Josh Flook, who put the ball on the toe. Ryan regathered and kicked ahead just as he was about to be swamped. McReight chased and scored for 7-0.

The Reds might have been ahead 12-0 and 19-7 but it tightened to 19-14 early in the second half when the momentum was with the Highlanders.

A pinpoint Flook kick ahead gave the Reds an attacking lineout. It was the platform for Salakaia-Loto to crash over. Soon after, the hustle of replacement No.8 Vaiuta Latu paid off when the Highlanders fumbled.
He was on the spot to pick up the loose ball and plunge over for his first Super Rugby try.

Wilson will be better for the gallop after playing nearly an hour in his first game of the year. Flyhalf Carter Gordon did plenty of good things and will want to tidy up a few areas as well.

“The boys’ industry was brilliant. It wasn’t perfect but the boys stuck at it and got in front of the game when they needed to,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.

“Our back three were chasing everything, working hard off the ball and on it. Our locks and backrow were very strong and set a good platform.

“Keeping their No. 12 (Tavatavanawai) quiet was critical too."

Reds skipper Fraser McReight said the team had “a hard look at ourselves” after the opening round loss to the NSW Waratahs.

“There were some hard truths. We had a great game plan tonight and knew if we trusted it the result would come to fruition. Suncorp Stadium is a place we love.”

The Reds will regroup and prepare for a match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday week.

QUEENSLAND REDS 31
Tries: Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Vaiuta Latu
Conversions: Louis Werchon 2, Jock Campbell
Def
HIGHLANDERS 14
Tries: Adam Lennox, Lucas Casey
Conversions: Cameron Millar 2
Conversions:
Half-time: Reds 19-7
Crowd: 13,016
Venue: Suncorp Stadium