Queensland Reds dominate NSW Waratahs in convincing victory

Queensland Reds 35-15 Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium

The Queensland Reds delivered a powerful statement in Super Rugby Pacific with a 35-15 victory over the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds controlled the match from the outset, using their dominant forward pack and sharp execution to outplay their rivals. Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight led the charge, ensuring the Reds secured a vital win to strengthen their position in the competition.

The Waratahs started with intent, pressing high up the field and testing the Reds' defense. Their aggressive start paid off in the 2nd minute when Triston Reilly capitalized on an overlap to score the first try of the match, giving the visitors an early 5-0 lead.

The Reds responded swiftly, maintaining possession and applying relentless pressure inside the Waratahs’ 22. In the 12th minute, a well-worked attacking phase allowed Heremiah Murray to break through the defense, leveling the score at 5-5.

Momentum swung firmly in the Reds' favor when Andrew Kellaway was shown a yellow card in the 23rd minute for a dangerous tackle on Harry Wilson.

The Reds wasted no time exploiting the one-man advantage. Just three minutes later, Wilson powered through the Waratahs' defense, shrugging off tacklers to dive over for a converted try, giving the Reds a 12-5 lead.

The Reds continued to dominate in the set-piece, and their forward pack made a significant impact in the 32nd minute, when Richie Asiata crashed over from a rolling maul, further extending the lead to 19-5.

The Waratahs managed to pull back three points through a penalty kick before halftime, but the Reds had the final say in the opening half. A brilliant attacking sequence saw Fraser McReight finish off a slick move, securing the Reds' third try and taking them into halftime with a commanding 21-8 lead.

The Waratahs began the second half with renewed determination, looking to chip away at the deficit. Their persistence was rewarded in the 46th minute, when Langi Gleeson muscled over from close range. The conversion brought the Waratahs within striking distance at 21-15.

However, the Reds quickly shut down any thoughts of a comeback. Their dominance at the breakdown created turnover opportunities, and in the 54th minute, Angus Blyth charged over the try line to stretch the lead back to 28-15. Tom Lynagh, showing composure beyond his years, slotted the conversion to keep the Reds in firm control.

As the match entered its final quarter, the Reds' defensive resilience became the defining factor. The Waratahs struggled to break through, with Harry Wilson securing a crucial turnover in the 65th minute to deny the visitors a potential scoring opportunity.

With just minutes remaining, the Reds put the game beyond doubt. A perfectly executed set-piece move saw McReight cross for his second try of the night, sealing the final score at 35-15.