A 75m try gem ignited by flyhalf Tom Lynagh triggered today’s high-octane 42-28 victory for the Queensland Reds over the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan.
The blond-haired Lynagh veered 45m past three defenders on a kick return to set up the biggest moment of the first half at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.
He needed support and winger Floyd Aubrey loomed perfectly on Lynagh’s left shoulder to complete the long-range try with a right-foot step by three tacklers himself.
It gave the Reds an early 14-0 jump but the Wild Knights rallied as the Reds knew they would because the scores had tightened to 31-28 with 21 minutes to play.
For Aubrey, it was the start of a three-try day. He gave rich praise post-match to halfback Kalani Thomas for his eyes-up skill and communication to find him on the wing.
Lynagh was awarded Player-of-the-Match and no one in the enthusiastic crowd of 4000 disagreed.
He was composed, dashed strongly again close to the line to set up the platform for the second Aubrey try and slotted four-from-four with the boot.
His two matches on tour gave Lynagh solid playing time and showed the wisdom of his involvement in Japan before heading direct to London for two Australia XV matches.
Thomas was back from surgery and reminded everyone of his skills. When Lynagh made that dart near the tryline, Thomas was quickly at the ruck to rip a long ball to an unmarked Aubrey for the try.
It was the perfect way to finish the 2024 schedule and celebrate Reds debuts with a win for Frankie Goldsbrough, Kohan Herbert, Heremaia Murray and Hamish Muller.
The win ensures the Saitama-Queensland Shield remains at Ballymore for a third straight season.
It also shows how the Reds are backing their attack and pack strengths. Aubrey scored the fourth Reds hat-trick in 2024, following Tim Ryan (two) and hooker Richie Asiata’s close-to-the-line trio against Wales.
First-time skipper Ryan Smith led with aplomb, both with the team’s opening try from the back of a ruck and as choirmaster for the team song in the dressing room.
“We knew the Wild Knights would push us physically and in game speed and they certainly did,” Smith said.
“We talked pre-game about wanting to throw punches in attack because we were expecting them to throw them as well.
“Knowing they’d come at us meant we were prepared and didn’t get rattled. We took a few penalty goals to keep that scoreboard pressure on them.”
Reds head coach Les Kiss was delighted.
“We had to keep finding solutions to come back into the game when moments of momentum went the Wild Knights way. I’m really proud of our guys for stemming that as they did,” Kiss said.
Kiss also saw the bigger picture of what the third year of these Reds-Wild Knights matches mean on the 40th anniversary of the Saitama prefecture and Queensland joining in a sister state relationship.
“The cultural experience of the last three years is important for us. Rugby has that and you can play around the world with opportunities like this,” Kiss said.
“We treasure this relationship where the Reds can meet a great club like the Wild Knights. We don’t take it lightly and we want it to keep building.”
Busy flanker Herbert made an early impact with two pilfers to stymie the Wild Knights when they were on attack.
At 25, he was lapping up his Reds debut after a fine season for Souths in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
“Some players get opportunities when they leave school. For others like me it takes longer but I’ve been working for this day. It’s a great feeling,” Herbert said.
Winger Murray scored on debut 15 minutes from time with two left-foot sidesteps after receiving a pass from Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Hamish Muller came off the bench to make his Reds debut for the final 10 minutes in the backrow. He lined up for several ball-carries.
No one was more surprised when he joined the team in a lap of the ground post-match to thank the fans and spotted two familiar faces in the stands.
His parents Ross and Lisa had made a snap decision to fly from Brisbane the day before the game to celebrate his first cap with him.
QUEENSLAND REDS 42
Tries: Floyd Aubrey 3, Ryan Smith, Heremaia Murray
Conversions: Tom Lynagh 3/3, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 1/2
Penalties: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 2/2, Tom Lynagh 1/1.
Def
SAITAMA PANASONIC WILD KNIGHTS 28
Tries: Jack Cornelsen, Taiki Fujii, Ockie Barnard, Tatsuhiro Tanji
Conversions: Kyohei Yamasawa 4/4
