An intense match at HBF Park concluded with the Queensland Reds defeating the Western Force 28-24, thanks to a stirring 80th-minute try from Filipo Daugunu. The encounter, memorable for its late drama, left the Force players and fans heartbroken despite a strong performance throughout the game.
The Force began strongly, scoring two quick tries and leading 14-0 early in the match. Flanker Carlo Tizzano and Darcy Swain’s tries within the first 20 minutes showcased their potent attack. The Reds responded through rapid-fire efforts from Josh Flook and Seru Uru, which leveled the scores at 14-all before half time. A penalty goal from Ben Donaldson allowed the Force to lead at the break with a score of 17-14.
In a tense second half, the match saw fierce competition as Tizzano pushed through for another try, giving the Force a fragile 24-22 edge with only minutes remaining. However, the Reds, led by Tate McDermott, refused to give in and came back when it mattered the most. Daugunu’s decisive try stemmed from a ruck, sealing an unlikely victory for Queensland in a match filled with momentum shifts.
The match echoed the thrill of previous encounters in the Super Rugby Pacific, including the Reds’ earlier high-scoring affair against Moana Pasifika, where they displayed their offensive strength. Similarly, the Force’s performance, while disappointing due to the last-minute loss, reflects their growth as a competitive team this season.
The passionate play from both teams indicates a bright future, with fans hopeful as the Western Force aims to bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat. With resilience and determination evident in their gameplay, both teams continue to contribute to the excitement of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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