The Queensland Reds showed their mental toughness to beat the ACT Brumbies 30-21 tonight to claim the Rod Macqueen Cup for the first time since 2022.
The Reds had led 20-7 early in the second half before a spirited Brumbies' rally got the visitors in front 21-20 with 26 minutes to play.
Not for the first time this season, the Reds hung tough, produced some big defensive plays and a clutch try-scoring moment to surge home at Suncorp Stadium.
The Reds leapfrog the Brumbies and the Crusaders to now lie fourth with four matches of the regular season to play in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific.
Claiming the Cup was a significant achievement. Since it was introduced in 2005, only the 2012 and 2021 Reds have won the trophy with back-to-back wins over the Brumbies in the same year. It was retained in 2022 when the results were split 1-all because a team needs to win both clashes in a year to snatch it from the holder.
Tonight, it was lock Seru Uru who scored the decisive pick-and-go try at the 59-minute mark to fully capitalise on the Reds taking a quick tap.
Skipper Fraser McReight winning his third big turnover of the night, another from prop Zane Nonggorr and the excellent defence of Filipo Daugunu, to drive a third player into touch on the night, were all impressive moments in the tense final period.
Conditions were greasy after rain through the day but it didn’t stop Reds centre Josh Flook scoring the try of the match.
The Reds were leading 10-7 right on half-time when halfback Kalani Thomas picked up a cue from Flook and dabbed a grubber kick through from the ruckbase.
Flook dashed through, plucked the wet ball from head high while in full stride and dotted it down just inside the dead ball line.
That 17-7 break at half-time was vital because it was pay for not being able to find points from two long breaks from Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Joe Brial earlier in the half.
“It was a very pleasing result for sure. We had to scrap out the last part but that’s when our mental toughness came to the fore,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
"We know how tough the Brumbies are to beat. Give them chances in the A-zone and they make things difficult (with three pick-and-go tries from close range).
When asked about Flook’s contribution, Kiss was upbeat.
“He’s a quality all-round player. He saw the space (for the Thomas kick) and pulled it off which was very important at the time,” Kiss said.
“His biggest influence is without the ball when he’s organising the defence, making good reads and being part of some excellent communication.”
Reds captain Fraser McReight was delighted to celebrate with a win for hooker Josh Nasser in his 50th game for Queensland.
McReight showed his poise by three times electing to shoot for penalty goal, a move that paid off with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (five-from-five) and Ben Volavola (1-from-1) being flawless from the kicking tee.
“Those penalties were earned at a crucial time when we were digging in and it made sense to take the points in the conditions,” McReight said.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto had another strong game. A powerful, low charge for a try levelled at 7-all after the Brumbies had scored first.
QUEENSLAND REDS 30
Tries: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Flook, Seru Uru
Conversions: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 3
Penalty Goals: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 2, Ben Volavola
Def
ACT BRUMBIES 21
Tries: Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, David Feliuai
Conversions: Ryan Lonergan 3
Half-time: Reds 17-Brumbies 7
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
