Reds beat Waratahs 26-17 at Suncorp Stadium

Queensland Reds 26-17 Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium

Queensland Reds produced a strong late comeback to defeat the Waratahs 26-17 at Suncorp Stadium, securing their third consecutive Super Rugby Pacific victory.

The contest remained tight and low-scoring for much of the evening before the Reds finally broke open the game in the final quarter through a decisive double from Carter Gordon and a late try from Isaac Henry.

The result ensured Queensland maintained their strong start to the season while the Waratahs, despite showing improved resilience, were left to reflect on missed opportunities in the closing stages.

Tight Opening Half In Brisbane

The match began cautiously with both sides struggling to build sustained attacking momentum. Much of the early play was dominated by tactical kicking, particularly from Reds scrum-half Louis Werchon, as both teams tried to gain field position.

Queensland eventually broke the deadlock when Harry Wilson crossed for the opening try in the 6th minute. The opportunity came after Carter Gordon launched a high attacking kick that created pressure on the Waratahs defence.

New South Wales responded soon after through Jamie Adamson, who had come into the side following the late withdrawal of Charlie Gamble. Adamson finished a well-worked move to level the scores and ensure the teams went into halftime tied at 7-7.

Waratahs Take Control After The Break

The Waratahs started the second half with greater attacking urgency. Hooker Ioane Moananu powered over for a try in the 57th minute to give the visitors their first lead of the match making it 7-12.

Queensland finally found their attacking rhythm in the closing stages. Carter Gordon first finished a move created by a line break and clever offload from fullback Jock Campbell.

Momentum continued to swing in favour of New South Wales when winger Harry Potter crossed shortly afterwards, pushing the Waratahs ahead and placing the Reds under pressure midway through the second half making it 12-17.

At one stage, centre Triston Reilly appeared to have scored a spectacular diving try that would have extended the Waratahs lead. However, television replays showed the ball had touched the sideline in the dead-ball area, and the try was disallowed.

Gordon And Henry Seal Reds Comeback

Isaac Henry stepped up the gears for Reds shortly. The centre linked with winger Filipo Daugunu, who had burst through the defence following an earlier break by substitute Treyvon Pritchard.

Gordon then produced the decisive moment of the match with six minutes remaining. He stepped past a defender in broken play before sprinting approximately 55 metres, evading Potter to score the match-winning try.

Teams line up:

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (captain), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross

Reserves: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Treyvon Pritchard

Waratahs: 15 James Hendren, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Triston Reilly, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Sid Harvey, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Matt Philip (captain), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert

Reserves: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Miles Amatosero, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Lawson Creighton, 23 Harry Potter