Reds beat Highlanders 31-14 in Brisbane

Queensland Reds 31-14 Highlanders, Suncorp Stadium

The Queensland Reds got their Super Rugby Pacific season back on track with a 31-14 bonus-point win over the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium, mixing early attacking flair with tough defence to close out a key home victory.

McReight Finishes Stunning Early Move

The Reds’ best moment came early with a try-of-the-year contender that ended with new captain Fraser McReight winning the race to score. Jock Campbell’s cut-out pass found Harry Wilson, who produced a no-look pass between his legs to Josh Flook. Flook kicked ahead, Tim Ryan regathered and nudged another kick forward, and McReight backed up in support to dot down.

That early strike helped Queensland jump out before Matthew Faessler went over for the second try in the 27th minute making it 12-0, setting the tone for a night where they were sharper in the key moments before Highlanders responded with a touchdown from Adam Lennox by the half hour mark.

Tim Ryan Adds Reward For Work Rate

Winger Tim Ryan, busy on both sides of the ball throughout, was rewarded with a try as the Reds continued to convert pressure into points. His finish ensured the hosts stayed in front even as the Highlanders looked to build momentum through the middle.

Salakaia-Loto And Latu Seal The Bonus Point

Highlanders brought the gap down to five points with Lucas Casey dotting down in the 51st minute but Reds ensured they dominated the remainder of the game as Hunter Paisami took a lineout quickly to keep play alive and second-rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto bulldozed over for a crucial try to restore breathing space.

Later, back-rower Vaiuta Latu scooped up the crumbs from a Filipo Daugunu grubber to score the match-sealer and secure the bonus point.

Defensive Stands Close It Out

The Highlanders threatened late, with Te Kamaka Howden twice going close, only to be denied by a hold-up and then a spill over the line. Queensland’s defensive grit ensured the visitors were kept at arm’s length to the final whistle.

Team line up:

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (captain), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Aidan Ross

Reserves: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Filipo Daugunu

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Adam Lennox, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy (co-captain), 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Will Stodart, 3 Rohan Wingham, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Reserves: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a