Les Kiss, the prospective coach of the Wallabies, has temporarily quieted his critics following a surprising victory for the Queensland Reds against the reigning champions, the Crusaders, with a score of 31-26. This triumph was particularly significant for the Reds, coming on the heels of two crushing defeats where they conceded 94 points in total to the Hurricanes and the Western Force. It was a special night for Reds veteran Filipo Daugunu, who celebrated his 100th Super Rugby match.
Kiss expressed his pride in the team’s persistence throughout the match. Notably, playmaker Carter Gordon showcased his talent with a remarkable try, aided by Wallabies captain Harry Wilson’s precise kick. Despite the win, Gordon sustained a knee injury and was seen on crutches after the match, leaving fans anxious about his condition.
The Reds’ victory marked their first win against the Crusaders on home soil since the 2011 grand final. This success sees Queensland sitting fifth on the ladder, three points clear of the sixth-placed Crusaders, both of whom are vying for a place in the finals. Daugunu’s decisive try in the 74th minute broke a tense 19-19 deadlock, with the Reds’ victory solidifying their competitive edge.
The game was not without its challenges, as both teams struggled with turnovers, accumulating 23 errors each. The Reds, however, were able to make significant progress with the ball, racking up 596 metres, while the Crusaders managed only 282. Their lack of offensive power was exacerbated by the absence of star player Will Jordan, prompting questions about the team’s ability to perform without him. The Reds’ previous lacklustre showing appeared to galvanise their performance, while the Crusaders’ error rate proved costly.
Despite the disappointments, the Crusaders did manage to score a late consolation try from Chay Fihaki, securing a losing bonus point. However, their coaching staff will likely focus on the numerous errors made during the match, including significant mistakes like a botched quick tap by halfback Noah Hotham and missed opportunities in the ruck defence.
With the Reds enjoying a bye next weekend, they’ll aim to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for an upcoming clash with the Western Force, still reeling from their current injury woes and inconsistency. As the competition progresses, both teams will be keen to secure their spots for the playoffs.