Queensland have soared to top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after overcoming a horror night at the lineouts to post a pulsating 28-24 win over the Western Force in Brisbane. The odds were stacked against the Reds after flanker John Bryant was yellow carded in the 68th minute for a dangerous clean out with the visitors leading by three points. But despite the numerical disadvantage, Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott touched down in the 73rd minute with Queensland defending grimly from that moment on to seal victory.
The result lifted the Reds into top spot following the Crusaders' shock 45-29 loss to Moana Pasifika in Christchurch earlier on Saturday. It means the Reds' clash with the Chiefs next Friday night in New Zealand will be a top-of-the-table battle. The Force were looking to gain a slice of revenge after Queensland scored a try in the dying minutes to snatch a 28-24 win in Perth a month ago.
But it wasn't to be, with the Reds winning by the exact same scoreline, despite losing a whopping eight lineouts from their own throw during the match. Force duo Darcy Swain and Jeremy Williams were giants, stealing the Reds' throws time and time again. Heavy downpours in Brisbane led many to predict a scrappy battle at Suncorp Stadium.
But with the rain clearing up before kick-off, both sides scored three tries apiece in an action-packed opening half, with the scores locked at 21-21 at the break. The Reds set the tone early by turning down an easy three points in a bid to go.
