In a match that swung hard both ways, the Reds absorbed a second-half surge from the ACT Brumbies, reset through Seru Uru, and closed out a 30–21 win at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season — a result that lifts them into the top four and completes a rare season derby double.
Early Punches, Then the Grind
The Brumbies struck first through Lachlan Shaw, capitalising on quick tap pressure close to the line.
Queensland’s response was immediate and structured. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto powered over to level it, and the Reds began to build through territory and breakdown pressure rather than tempo. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips nudged them ahead with a penalty before Josh Flook chased down a Kalani Thomas grubber on the stroke of half-time — a moment that stretched the margin and shifted pressure firmly onto the visitors.
From there, the game tightened. Field position became harder to win, and both sides were forced into slower, more physical phases.
McReight Sets the Terms
Fraser McReight controlled the middle of the contest.
His work over the ball repeatedly stalled the Brumbies’ attack, forcing turnovers and disrupting any sustained phase play. It allowed the Reds to dictate territory without needing expansive attack — building pressure through repeat entries and penalties rather than line breaks.
That approach was deliberate. And against this opponent, it was decisive.
Brumbies Find Their Window
The contest flipped quickly after the break.
A spilled restart handed momentum back to the Brumbies, and they took it. Rob Valetini crashed over, David Feliuai followed after breaking the line, and suddenly the visitors had both the lead and control of the tempo.
For a stretch, the Reds were on the back foot — losing territory, absorbing phases, and chasing the game.
It was the Brumbies’ best period. They couldn’t extend it.
Uru Response, Composure Restored
The reset came through pressure, not panic.
After forcing their way back into the Brumbies’ half, the Reds earned a penalty and went quickly. Seru Uru finished the sequence, driving over to reclaim the lead and halt the momentum.
From there, the approach shifted again. Kick long. Play in the right areas. Take the points when offered.
McLaughlin-Phillips’ third penalty extended the buffer, and with it, control of the game.
Closed Out the Right Way
The final quarter was managed with clarity.
Queensland exited cleanly, lifted their line speed, and forced the Brumbies into lateral attack and errors. A missed long-range penalty attempt summed up the visitors’ night — close, but without the control to finish.
The Reds didn’t chase the game late. They dictated where it was played and how it ended.
A Result That Shifts the Season
This was more than a win — it was movement on the ladder.
The Reds climb into the top four and edge past the Crusaders, while also leapfrogging the Brumbies — a side that has now dropped three straight and is slipping out of the top tier with four rounds to play.
Just as telling was how Queensland got there.
A side that has often backed itself to chase tries instead took the points when they mattered — a tactical shift that proved decisive in a nine-point game.
They didn’t control every passage. But when momentum turned, they responded — and when the game needed to be closed, they had the discipline to do it.
That’s the difference between competing and contending.
If you weren’t at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (14-March) for the Round 5 clash of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season, you missed a match that redefined the “game of two halves” cliché.
For 60 minutes, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs played a brutal, box-kicking slugfest that threatened to boil over in the humid Brisbane air. Territory battles. Endless kicks from the base. Defensive lines refusing to budge.
Then the Cauldron erupted.
Five tries in the final 20 to 22 minutes carried the Reds to a 26–17 win over their oldest rivals — a third straight victory, revenge for the 36–12 Round 1 loss in Sydney, and the clearest sign yet that this Queensland side is growing up fast.
Another chapter in the 141-year rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales had been written — and this one belonged to the Reds.
The night opened with a flash of attacking promise.
Just seven minutes in, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson crossed for the first try of the night after a Carter Gordon bomb caused confusion in the Waratahs backfield. Jock Campbell swooped on the loose ball and slipped a short pass to Wilson in support for the opener.
The Waratahs answered soon after.
Following sustained pressure on the Queensland goal line, flanker Jamie Adamson burrowed over in the 17th minute to level the score at 7–7.
Then the match locked into a stalemate.
For the next 40 minutes, the contest became a territorial arm-wrestle dominated by box kicks and defence. The Waratahs held the majority of possession and territory, but every time they probed inside the Reds’ half they ran into a wall of maroon jerseys.
By full-time, Queensland had made around 184 tackles compared with just over 100 for New South Wales — a defensive effort that kept the game within reach.
Fraser McReight, Seru Uru and the Reds’ forward pack repeatedly slowed the breakdown and disrupted the Waratahs’ attacking rhythm.
It wasn’t flashy rugby.
But it kept Queensland in the fight.
When the Match Finally Broke Open
The stalemate finally cracked in the 58th minute.
A Waratahs lineout five metres from the Reds’ goal line turned into a driving maul, with reserve hooker Ioane Moananu grounding the ball to give the visitors a 12–7 lead.
After nearly an hour of stalemate, the game suddenly burst into life.
Carter Gordon struck back for Queensland minutes later, finishing off a phase that began with a slicing midfield run to level the score at 12–12.
But the Waratahs responded almost immediately.
Max Jorgensen streaked down the right sideline before toeing the ball ahead toward the corner. The kick bounced dangerously and Harry Potter arrived first to ground it, restoring the Waratahs’ lead at 17–12.
The match had finally opened up. And the Reds were ready.
What had been a tactical chess match was suddenly a free-flowing shootout.
Isaac Henry’s Redemption Moment
With the Waratahs leading and the match entering its final ten minutes, the Reds produced the play that turned the contest.
Attacking from deep inside their own half, Queensland shifted the ball wide before Filipo Daugunu sliced through the defensive line and sprinted into open field.
Forty metres later, he found Isaac Henry in support.
Henry finished the movement beside the posts, completing a spectacular long-range try and giving the Reds a 19–17 lead.
For Henry, the moment carried extra significance.
After a brutal run of injuries involving his foot, hamstring and knee, the try marked a triumphant return for a player many feared might never regain his place in the Reds midfield.
Suncorp Stadium roared.
But the drama was far from over.
The TMO Moment That Flipped the Game
Just minutes later, the Waratahs thought they had stolen the lead.
Centre Triston Reilly launched into a spectacular dive for the corner and appeared to ground the ball for a crucial try. The on-field referee initially awarded it.
Then the Television Match Official intervened.
After reviewing the replay, the try was overturned with the ball ruled to have touched the sideline during the grounding.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was left fuming after the match.
“If the referee awards a try, unless it’s clear and obvious, it stays a try,” McKellar argued afterwards.
Instead of taking the lead, the Waratahs were suddenly defending again.
Two minutes later, the Reds delivered the knockout blow.
The Implication of That TMO Moment
The match’s biggest flashpoint came in the 73rd minute with the Reds leading 19–17.
Waratahs centre Triston Reilly launched into an acrobatic dive in the right corner
that initially looked like the go-ahead try. Referee Ben O’Keeffe awarded it on-field
before the Television Match Official called for a review.
After multiple replays, the TMO overturned the decision, ruling that the ball had
touched the sideline as Reilly grounded it. It was a razor-thin call in a game
already balanced on the smallest of margins.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar later questioned whether the footage met the
“clear and obvious” threshold required to reverse the original decision, arguing
the benefit of doubt should remain with the attacking side.
The timing made it decisive. Had the try stood, NSW would have taken the lead with
only minutes remaining. Instead, the Reds held on in that moment — and two minutes
later Carter Gordon’s long-range try sealed the result.
Carter Gordon Slams the Door
Moments after surviving the Waratahs’ late surge, the Reds delivered the decisive blow.
Taking the ball near halfway, Carter Gordon spotted space and accelerated through the defensive line.
The fly-half beat multiple defenders and then simply outran Wallabies teammate Harry Potter to the corner in a stunning 55-metre sprint.
The try pushed the Reds to a 26–17 lead with only minutes remaining and effectively sealed the contest.
It was Gordon’s second try of the night and the defining moment of a dramatic finish.
Round 5 Highlights
Defence Built the Victory
The highlight reels will focus on the final-quarter fireworks.
But Queensland’s win was built on defence.
Despite having significantly less possession, the Reds absorbed enormous pressure throughout the first hour and refused to let the Waratahs build a decisive lead.
Coach Les Kiss later praised his side’s composure and resilience under that pressure.
When the game finally opened up, the Reds were ready to strike.
Another Chapter in the Rivalry
The victory gives Queensland three consecutive wins after their opening-round loss to the Waratahs and strengthens their push toward the top end of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
More importantly, it reinforced the identity this Reds team is beginning to build — a side capable of defending relentlessly before unleashing its attacking weapons when opportunities appear.
Next week brings a very different challenge with a trip to Fiji to face the Drua.
But on Saturday night in Brisbane, the Cauldron belonged to the Reds once again.
And the oldest rivalry in Australian rugby delivered another unforgettable chapter.
Published 15-March-2026
MATCH PREVIEW
Red-Hot Rivalry: 6 Things to Watch For as Queensland Reds Host NSW Waratahs at Suncorp
Published 13-March-2026
The Cauldron is about to boil again.
On Saturday night, the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs collide at Suncorp Stadium in the latest chapter of Australian rugby’s oldest interstate rivalry — a clash fuelled by revenge, returning teammates, and a Reds side determined to prove it can finish what it starts.
Queensland enter Round 5 of the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season chasing a third straight victory and redemption for the 36–12 defeat the Waratahs handed them in Round 1. But the visitors arrive wounded after last week’s heavy loss to the Hurricanes, making them a dangerous opponent in a fixture where form rarely matters.
Match Details
Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific – Round 5
Saturday, 14 March 2026 | Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 6:35pm AEST Live Broadcast on Stan Sport
What’s at Stake
For the Reds, Saturday night is about proving their growth since the opening round loss in Sydney. Coach Les Kiss believes the side is still building toward its best rugby, and the challenge now is turning promising stretches into a complete 80-minute performance.
For the Waratahs, the equation is simpler: respond. After a heavy defeat last week, they arrive in Brisbane desperate to reset their season in the one fixture that always carries extra meaning.
Before the whistle blows, here are the six key storylines shaping Saturday night’s showdown.
1. The Longest Rivalry in Australian Rugby
Queensland versus New South Wales has always been more than just another match on the Super Rugby calendar. It is widely regarded as the longest-running interstate rivalry in Australian rugby, stretching back more than a century.
Every meeting carries an undercurrent of pride that rarely shows up on the ladder. The colours may be maroon and sky blue, but the emotions are unmistakably tribal.
Suncorp Stadium — known to Reds fans as the Cauldron — has hosted countless chapters of this rivalry. When Queensland runs out on Saturday night, they will not just be chasing competition points; they will be defending state pride.
2. Angus Blyth Returns to the Cauldron — As the Enemy
One of the most intriguing subplots surrounds Wallabies lock Angus Blyth.
After nine years in the Reds system, Blyth switched sides at the end of last season to join the Waratahs. His first start for New South Wales now comes in Brisbane — against the teammates he once called brothers.
Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto acknowledged the unusual situation during the week.
“He’s a good friend of mine and was an awesome servant for Queensland rugby over the time he was here,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“But as soon as we cross that white line, there are no friends on that field.”
The emotional return adds another layer of intensity to a fixture that already carries plenty of history.
3. Isaac Henry’s Long Road Back
While Blyth returns as a rival, another storyline focuses on a player finally getting his opportunity.
Centre Isaac Henry has endured a brutal run of injuries over the past few seasons, including serious setbacks involving his foot, hamstring and knee. Now the 27-year-old finds himself starting at inside centre for the second consecutive week.
With Hunter Paisami sidelined by a lower-leg injury, Henry has stepped into the No.12 jersey and impressed Reds coach Les Kiss with his resilience and versatility.
For a player who once risked being forgotten in a crowded midfield, Saturday night represents another chance to cement his place.
4. Revenge for the Round 1 Defeat
The Reds have unfinished business with the Waratahs.
Back in Round 1, New South Wales handed Queensland a comprehensive 36–12 defeat in Sydney. The Reds were competitive for long periods before fading badly in the final quarter.
That collapse has become a motivating factor inside the Reds camp.
Players have spoken openly this week about the need to deliver a full 80-minute performance if they are to compete with the competition’s top teams. Saturday night provides the opportunity to show how much the side has improved since that early-season setback.
5. Waratahs Arrive Wounded
The Waratahs travel north under pressure after a brutal 59–19 loss to the Hurricanes last week.
Despite that result, the Reds know they cannot afford to take New South Wales lightly. The Round 1 clash showed how quickly the Waratahs can punish mistakes and shift momentum.
Reds captain Fraser McReight expects a fierce response from the visitors.
“They’re definitely going to be coming out swinging,” he said earlier this week.
That combination of desperation and rivalry could make the Waratahs particularly dangerous on Saturday night.
6. The Rivalry Starts Long Before Kick-Off
The Queensland–NSW rivalry does not begin at Super Rugby level — it starts much earlier.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the Reds Under-18s face the Waratahs Under-18s at Bottomley Park in Brisbane, giving the next generation of players their own taste of the interstate battle.
Young Reds outside centre Taione Taka has already experienced several clashes with New South Wales at junior level and says every meeting carries extra significance.
“It’s a great rivalry to have in Australian rugby,” he said.
For players coming through the system, these matches ensure the Queensland–NSW rivalry remains deeply embedded long before they reach the professional stage.
A Rivalry That Rarely Disappoints
Everything is set for another memorable night at Suncorp Stadium.
A returning former Red, a resurgent centre claiming his opportunity, and a Queensland side determined to erase the memory of Round 1 all add layers of intrigue to the contest.
The Waratahs may arrive bruised, but rivalry games have a habit of ignoring form lines.
When the whistle blows at 6:35pm, the Cauldron will decide the next chapter in one of Australian rugby’s fiercest battles.
This isn’t just Round 2. This is where seasons either steady, or start to slip.
After a 36–12 season-opening loss to the Waratahs, a game that remained within reach past the hour mark, the Queensland Reds return for a Friday night match to their spiritual and competitive centre, the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
With key Wallabies returning, combinations re-forming and a home crowd behind them, this is Queensland’s first real chance to define 2026 on their terms.
Match details Friday, 27 February 2026 6:35pm AEST (Brisbane time) Suncorp Stadium, Milton Watch live on Stan Sport
The Caxton Street walk will feel different this week. Sharper. More urgent. The noise won’t be hopeful. It will be expectant.
The Context: Lessons From Sydney
The scoreline in Sydney flattered the Waratahs late. For over an hour, the Reds were in the contest. But at this level, margins harden quickly.
Captain Fraser McReight has spoken about two priorities since that night:
managing referee dialogue in high-pressure moments
tightening the “little moments” that accumulate over 80 minutes
There has been no talk of overhaul at Ballymore — only improvement.
Across the competition, the benchmark has already been set. The Brumbies’ 50–24 dismantling of the Crusaders in Christchurch signalled that Australian sides can dictate terms. McReight has acknowledged it as a standard to chase, but without emotional overreach.
The Reds’ focus remains internal.
Reinforcements: Experience Returns
In Round 1, Queensland carried an injury list of 11 players, including influential Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson and both frontline flyhalves, Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon.
This week looks different.
Wilson returns at No.8 in his seventh Super Rugby season, fresh from inclusion in World Rugby’s 2025 Dream Team of the Year. His presence restores balance to the back row.
Gordon starts at flyhalf for his Reds Super Rugby debut, as a player who first signed with the club at 17 and now gets his moment under lights at Suncorp. He partners Sunshine Coast product Louis Werchon in the halves.
Lynagh remains sidelined as coach Les Kiss maintains a measured approach following a disrupted 2025 season that included concussions and hamstring issues. The club is prioritising longevity over urgency.
Four additional Wallabies strengthen the 23-man squad, including Filipo Daugunu, Josh Nasser and Kalani Thomas off the bench.
This is a side selected for control and physical authority.
Front Row: Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr form an all-Wallabies trio capable of setting scrum tone early. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen reinforces the platform late.
Second Row: Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto provide height and edge at lineout and in contact.
Back Row: Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c) and Harry Wilson — breakdown pressure, defensive volume and carry power in balance.
Halves: Werchon’s tempo and Gordon’s tactical kicking will dictate field position.
Midfield and Backfield: Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook provide directness through the middle, while Jock Campbell’s composure at fullback remains essential against a Highlanders side known for variation.
Impact Bench: Daugunu offers finishing strike. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips provides flexibility at No.10. Kalani Thomas is capable of shifting momentum late.
This is not experimentation. It is reinforcement.
Highlanders Bring Continuity and Experience Off the Bench
The Highlanders arrive in Brisbane backing continuity for their first away game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has made just two changes to the starting XV that fell four points short in a narrow loss to the Chiefs in Round Two.
Will Stodart has been promoted to the starting side with Oliver Haig shifting to the bench, while Adam Lennox comes into the No.9 jersey and Folau Fakatava moves to the reserves.
The bigger story may be on the bench.
After Henry Bell and Josh Bartlett filled reserve front-row roles last week, Soane Vikena and Daniel Lienert-Brown are set to provide impact against Queensland. This is a clear injection of experience as Joseph looks to ensure his side finishes stronger than it started.
The Highlanders coach acknowledged the challenge awaiting in Milton.
“The Reds are coming off a bye and they’ve got a proud record at home,” Joseph said.
“Our game is growing, and we’re working hard on the small details that will help us deliver a more complete 80-minute performance. We’ll need that level of accuracy and intensity if we’re going to get the job done on Friday,” he added.
For a side that pushed the Chiefs deep into the contest, the message is clear: Brisbane is about precision across the full 80.
Why Suncorp Matters
The Reds have won 10 of their 14 matches at Suncorp Stadium across the 2024 and 2025 seasons in Super Rugby Pacific.
The venue compresses noise. Momentum builds quickly. Visiting teams feel pressure compound.
Hooker Matt Faessler described it this week as a “unique ecosystem” — the Caxton Street run-in, the proximity of the crowd, the surge once Queensland gain ascendancy.
For both sides seeking early-season traction, there is no better stage.
The Run Ahead
Friday is the immediate focus, but the schedule sharpens quickly: (All schedules as of press time)
ACT Brumbies (away) – Saturday, 7 March, 6:35pm
Waratahs (home) – Friday, 14 March, 6:35pm
Fijian Drua (away) – 21 March, 1:35pm
That stretch will shape the narrative of the opening month.
A win over the Highlanders does more than level the ledger. It builds authority before facing Australian heavyweights again.
The Stakes
The Reds have reached the semi-finals in each of the past two seasons. The ambition in 2026 is to go further.
The Waratahs sit unbeaten. The Brumbies have fired an early statement.
Queensland’s response begins in Milton.
Kick-off is 6:35pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, streaming live on Stan Sport.
By full-time on Friday night, we’ll know whether this was simply a home fixture, or the moment the Reds re-established their edge.
Under lights. At Suncorp. With the season waiting.
Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will be permitted to host up to 21 concerts in 2026 under a one-year trial, increasing the number of live music dates at the inner-city venue.
The annual concert limit at Suncorp Stadium has risen from 12 to 21 for 2026 following a temporary amendment to the Major Sports Facilities Regulation 2014.
The cap had previously doubled from six to 12 after an earlier trial period. The latest change is set to operate for one year, after which it may be reviewed.
Suncorp Stadium is expected to welcome around 250,000 patrons across approximately one and a half weeks as it hosts the Australian exclusive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and three concerts by Ed Sheeran.
Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium
Impact On Sporting Fixtures
The expanded Milton Suncorp concerts schedule coincides with major sporting competitions held at the venue.
Brisbane Roar relocated its February 28 A-League Men match against Perth Glory to Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe following concerns about pitch recovery after recent major events and ahead of the Ed Sheeran shows.
A stadium spokesperson previously stated that while the field would be prepared in time for the Queensland Reds v Highlanders match, extended flooring coverage can affect grass coverage and appearance in ways that may impact certain football codes differently.
Brisbane Roar has experienced fixture adjustments in previous seasons, including missing the opportunity to host a home Australia Cup final in 2023 due to venue availability.
The Super Rugby season also overlaps with the peak concert period. However, the Queensland Reds have indicated they do not intend to shift fixtures away from Suncorp Stadium.
Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium
Operations And Community Response
Concert staging at Lang Park can involve temporary generators, significant bump-in and bump-out processes and street closures to support production requirements.
Sample polling conducted last year found 56 per cent of nearby residents were open to raising the concert cap. Public comments have also highlighted concerns about sound levels, consultation processes and public transport access.
Suncorp Stadium will remain the battleground for Fraser McReight’s rugby future, with the star flanker committing to Australian Rugby and the Queensland Reds until 2028. The 26-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best openside flankers in the game, turned down significant overseas offers to stay in Queensland, ensuring he remains a key figure in Australia’s rugby revival.
McReight’s re-signing was confirmed on Friday, 14 March, solidifying his place in the Wallabies’ long-term plans. His decision to stay comes ahead of a critical period for Australian rugby, including this year’s British and Irish Lions tour and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil.
Loyalty to Queensland and the Wallabies
Despite attracting interest from overseas clubs, McReight chose to continue his journey in Australia. He said his passion for representing Queensland and the Wallabies played a major role in his decision, along with the opportunity to contribute to a national rebuilding effort.
“There were other offers, but my heart has always been with the Reds and the Wallabies,” McReight stated. He sees the next few years as crucial for Australian rugby and wants to be part of the team’s resurgence.
The flanker’s decision aligns with the choices of several other top players, including Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, who have opted to remain in the domestic competition rather than chase lucrative contracts overseas. Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss emphasised McReight’s value, calling him one of the best No.7s in world rugby and a leader within the team.
McReight’s impact on the game has been undeniable. In 2024, he was named Australian Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, earned the RUPA Medal for Excellence, and won the Pilecki Medal as Queensland’s best player.
The backrower made his professional debut for the Queensland Reds in 2019 and played his first Test for the Wallabies in 2020. Since then, he has amassed 77 Super Rugby caps and 25 Test caps, cementing his status as a core player in Australia’s international setup.
Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham praised McReight’s commitment, noting that he has a strong connection with the team and the local community. “He wants to be here, playing with his mates and pushing Australian rugby forward,” Hanham said.
A Key Player for Australia’s Future
Rugby Australia’s high-performance director Peter Horne highlighted McReight’s role in shaping the Wallabies’ future. With a major international calendar ahead, including the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour this year and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, his presence in the squad is considered a major boost.
“Fraser has established himself as a regular in the Wallabies lineup and will play a key role as we prepare for some of the biggest rugby events in Australia’s history,” Horne said.
McReight’s leadership and on-field influence are expected to help guide a new era for the Wallabies, as the team looks to rebuild and compete at the highest level.
His re-signing also strengthens the Queensland Reds, who have secured key players such as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Faessler, and Jeremy Williams, ensuring the squad remains competitive in Super Rugby Pacific.
A Home-Grown Star Staying Put
McReight’s rugby journey started in Queensland, where he played for the Albany Creek Brumbies before progressing through the ranks at Brisbane Grammar School. He later captained the Junior Wallabies to an Oceania Under-20s title, setting the foundation for his professional career.
His decision to stay in Australian rugby, rather than accept lucrative overseas offers, underscores his deep connection to Queensland and his desire to see the Wallabies return to the top of world rugby. With Suncorp Stadium set to host key matches in the coming years, fans can expect to see McReight leading from the front, both for the Reds and the Wallabies.
The Queensland Reds are set to kick off their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a formidable lineup. Head coach Les Kiss has named ten Wallabies in the starting XV for Friday, 21 February, night’s clash against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium. Reds vs Moana Pasifika kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
Moana Pasifika will be led by 94-Test All Black Ardie Savea, whose leadership and experience in high-pressure matches will be crucial for the visitors. The Reds will need to be at their best to counter a side that showcased its attacking firepower last weekend, crossing for six tries against the Western Force.
In an exciting development for Queensland rugby, 21-year-old prop Massimo De Lutiis will make his Super Rugby debut. The 128kg tighthead has impressed in the Reds International Program, earning six Queensland caps against international opposition. Reflecting on his journey, De Lutiis expressed his gratitude for the mentorship he has received from the Reds’ experienced front-rowers. “It’s been a long journey, and it’s satisfying to see the hard work pay off,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from the experienced front-rowers here.”
The Reds’ backline will be guided by the dynamic combination of captain Tate McDermott at scrumhalf and Tom Lynagh at flyhalf. In the forward pack, the established trio of Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, and Seru Uru will be key to setting the platform for success.
Head coach Les Kiss is confident in his squad’s preparation following their pre-season tour in the UK. “The boys are eager to play in front of family, friends and fans at Suncorp Stadium after months of hard work,” he said. “We’ve refined our game plan and strengthened our attack. Now, we need to execute and play to our strengths.”
Depth To Be Tested Amid Key Absences
The Reds will be without key forwards Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and co-captain Liam Wright due to injury, testing their squad depth early in the season. However, the strength of the bench highlights the squad’s resilience, with Wallabies representatives Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, and Angus Blyth ready to make an impact.
With the passionate home crowd behind them, the Reds will be eager to start their campaign with a statement victory and build on their finals appearances from the past two seasons. The season opener promises to be an intense and entertaining contest, setting the tone for what lies ahead in 2025.
Fifth-placed Queensland Reds will be looking to maintain their winning ways when they host the sixth-placed Melbourne Rebels on Friday, May 10. Reds vs Rebels kickoff 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Queensland Reds (5-5) are riding high after an impressive 33-28 away victory over the Crusaders last week. That famous win in Christchurch was their first since 1999 and a major confidence booster as they push for a finals spot.
Les Kiss’ side have been propelled by the stellar form of flanker Fraser McReight, who tops the turnovers chart despite a two-game suspension earlier in the season. The returning McReight was instrumental against the Crusaders with a tireless breakdown performance.
The Rebels (5-5), meanwhile, were beaten 53-26 at home by these same Reds back in March. They showed fight with a second-half comeback but were ultimately undone by their poor start.
Much could depend on the Reds ability to replicate their fast starts. Against their last outing against the Rebels, their forward pack laid the platform with a dominant first-half display, offloading frequently to create repeated chances.
Locks Seru Uru and Peni Ravai were destructive carriers that night. If they can provide front-foot ball again, the Reds’ backline of Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell and the in-form Tim Ryan have the talent to capitalise.
The Reds face their next crucial test in the 5th vs 6th showdown, taking on a desperate Rebels team in a fight for finals survival. Expect fireworks at Suncorp in this high-stakes clash.
The Queensland Reds have made three changes to their starting XV for the Anzac Weekend Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues on Saturday, April 26. Josh Flook’s timely return at outside centre is the headliner, with the experienced campaigner replacing the injured Jordan Petaia. Reds vs Blues kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
In addition to Flook’s inclusion, Angus Blyth comes into the second row for Cormac Daly. Daly is sidelined with minor soreness following the 31-0 win over the Highlanders.
Head coach Les Kiss has also handed 20-year-old speedster Tim Ryan his first run-on opportunity on the wing, with Mac Grealy making way.
Connor Vest and Floyd Aubrey are set for potential debuts, providing cover in the forwards and backs.
Anzac Weekend commemorations
The team will don their special khaki Anzac jerseys for the occasion, paying tribute to the 60 Queensland Reds who served in five wars, with 11 making the ultimate sacrifice.
Introducing the 2024 Queensland Reds Anzac commemorative jersey
The jersey commemorates the strong connections between the Reds and the Australian men and women who served in our armed forces.
Limited stock is available for this one-of-a-kind jersey. Don't miss out, get yours… pic.twitter.com/xiXRiWZXsq
An Anzac service featuring military personnel will be held pre-match, with the Ode read by Wallaroos prop Bree-Anna Browne.
“The boys love the jersey…there is depth of understanding of something bigger than the game,” Kiss said.
Reds vs Blues battle for momentum
Kiss knows his side faces a formidable challenge against the in-form Blues, who thumped the Brumbies last round. “We know the task ahead of us on Saturday,” he said.
While satisfied with recent efforts against Kiwi opposition, Kiss wants an 80-minute display at Suncorp Stadium, where “the boys love it.”
How the Reds will fare against the high-flying Blues remains to be seen, but the substitutions have injected freshness into the starting side for a pivotal Anzac encounter.
The Queensland Reds are dealing with a rash of injuries and suspensions as they prepare to host the Highlanders this Friday, April 19. After a narrow 17-14 loss to Moana Pasifika last weekend, the Reds have lost several key players, putting their depth to the test. Reds vs Highlanders kickoff 5:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
Co-captain Tate McDermott and flanker Fraser McReight both received red cards in the match against Moana Pasifika, ruling them out for the upcoming game. Adding to the Reds’ woes, promising forward Seru Uru will be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. Outside Josh Flook (shoulder) will also miss the match.
Head coach Les Kiss acknowledged the challenges his team is facing, calling the situation “not ideal.” However, he remains optimistic about the opportunity to test the depth of the Reds’ roster.
With the absences, Kiss is likely to shuffle his lineup for the crucial clash against the Highlanders. Jordan Petaia could move to outside centre to cover for Flook’s injury, while Mac Grealy is expected to return to the wing.
In the forward pack, Angus Blyth could start in place of the injured Uru, while Cormac Daly is another option to bolster the squad. Kiss may also promote Junior Wallabies back-rower John Bryant to replace the suspended McReight, or shift co-captain Liam Wright to his preferred position at openside flanker.
Reds look to bounce back against New Zealand opposition
The Reds will be eager to bounce back from their surprise defeat against Moana Pasifika, where Queensland lost the lead with less than two minutes to go.
Despite the challenges, Kiss remains confident in his team’s ability to respond and regain their early-season form.
“The opportunity in this now is to give a little bit more exposure to players who were playing off the bench and other players in the program to step up too,” he said.
A blockbuster backrow battle awaits as the Queensland Reds prepare to host the ACT Brumbies this Saturday, March 30. The Reds vs Brumbies Super Rugby double-header kickoff 4:05 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
McReight focused on improvement after Reds’ collapse
Photo Credit: Facebook/Queensland Reds
Reds flanker Fraser McReight is determined to put last week’s error-riddled 40-31 upset loss to the Western Force behind him as the Reds aim to rebound from disappointing defeats for both their men’s and women’s teams.
McReight acknowledged that Queensland were far from their best in Perth. He identified their set-piece play and preparation for away games as key areas for improvement.
“It’s on the road where it’s going to be very challenging,” he says.
“We’ve got some tough opponents coming up on the road, going to NZ, going to Fiji. It’s a great test, and we’ve just got to learn how the group goes together on away trips, how we can better prepare ourselves.”
He is also eagerly anticipating the matchup against the Brumbies’ in-form loose forward unit.
“They’re very athletic, aren’t they? Brumbies have a great backrow, they always have. I think it’s going to be a great match-up on the weekend,” McReight says.
Reds vs Brumbies : Queensland seek redemption after previous blowout defeat
Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby
With the memory of last year’s 24-52 home loss to the Brumbies still fresh, the Reds are determined to exact revenge.
“It’s always been such a close game, fortunately for them they were able to knock us over last year at Suncorp which is probably still hurting a few of us, so really really looking forward to this weekend.”
