The Queensland Reds go into their home clash against the Western Force, with a 5-1 win/loss record, currently 3rd in the Super Rugby Pacific 2025 ladder and having not lost against the Force at Suncorp since 2016.
Last week’s win at the Highlanders 23-29 was a crucial momentum builder that will give them huge confidence to take on the Force, who have won three and lost three this season, with a visit to ladder leaders, the Chiefs, looming on the horizon for the Reds next week.
A 20-12 down (tries by Asiata and Thomas) at the 56-minute mark against the Highlanders. A Filipo Daugunu try and then another from a build-up of pressure, by Lachie Anderson, got them ahead before a very cheeky finish by Daugunu, finding a tiny gap underneath the goal-line ruck, to put the ball down and put his side two scores ahead. The Reds only conceding a penalty goal into overtime despite the Highlanders having 73% of the possession in the last 10 minutes.
Superior kicking from hand was a major contribution to the Reds victory. The Highlanders won the attack battle, running 496 metres to 301 by the Reds,
from 127 carries to 111 in favour of the Highlanders. Tom Lynagh and co kicked 733 metres from hand, the Highlanders only 406 metres. Lynagh is building pressure on Noah Lolesio for the Wallabies number 10 jersey. The Reds lost the breakdown battle and the lineout count (three lineouts lost against none lost by the Highlanders). So, overall the stats don’t paint the picture of a winning game.
Ryan Smith will be handed the skipper’s armband. The Reds will go into the clash without Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight who are both rested. Liam Wright is injured and Tate McDermott will make his comeback from the bench. Kalani Thomas will start again at halfback. Les Kiss being very pleased with his performance against the Highlanders.
Alex Hodgman and Massimo de Lutiis will start against the Force, having come off the bench in the strong finish against the Highlanders.
The Force travel to Suncorp after a 52-15 dominant win against Fijian Drua. The Fijians, having proven to be very competitive against some of the best sides in the comp, including being the only team to beat the table toppers, the Chiefs. Repeating that performance would certainly prove a major challenge for Les Kiss and his Reds team.
Simon Cron, the Force Coach, said he was delighted Dylan Pietsch was back after injury.
Nick Champion de Crespigny also returns at Flanker and Marley Pearce gets the loosehead start.
“We were more connected against the Drua and we need to bring that again” he said.
Two former Reds players, Hamish Stewart and Mac Grealy, will start for the Force against their old club.
The game sets up as an arm wrestle, with the Reds hoping to maintain dominance at Suncorp over the Force.
Kick off at Suncorp on Saturday night, 29 March, is 6:35 p.m.