The Queensland Reds have climbed to the top of the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific ladder after securing a narrow 28-24 victory against the Western Force. The match, played at Suncorp Stadium, featured a dramatic finish with co-captain Tate McDermott scoring a crucial try just eight minutes before the final whistle, following a penalty by Ben Donaldson that had put the Force in the lead.
The encounter was closely contested, with both teams trading tries throughout the match. The first half ended with a 21-21 tie, after the Force’s flanker Carlo Tizzano scored a double, setting a new club record for the most tries in a single season. Despite the Reds’ struggles with their lineouts—losing a total of eight during the match—they managed to regain momentum and claimed the victory.
The game was notably similar to their previous clash in Perth a month prior, where the Reds also claimed a 28-24 win with a last-minute try. In this latest match, heavy rain prior to kick-off was a concern, but the clearing skies allowed for a thrilling display of rugby, highlighted by aggressive attacking plays from both sides.
The Reds exhibited resilience, particularly with notable performances from their defense and skilled players like McDermott, who continued to showcase their attacking capabilities despite the absence of key players like Hunter Paisami due to injury.
As teams continue to demonstrate their depth and skill, this match leaves fans hopeful for an exciting remainder of the Super Rugby season, with the Reds well-positioned for future matches. The spirited performance from the Western Force also indicates their growth as a competitive side, suggesting that more thrilling encounters lie ahead as the season progresses.
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