Chiefs go down to Reds in thriller in Brisbane

Fraser McReight (left) of the Reds celebrates scoring a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 match between the Queensland Reds and the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AAP Image/Darren England / www.photosport.nz) Photo: DARREN ENGLAND

The Chiefs have been handed their first loss in Super Rugby Pacific this season with a 25-19 defeat to the Reds in Brisbane.

The Queensland side produced some heroic late defence, denying the Waikato side a late winner.

Despite three minutes camped on their line, the Chiefs were unable to push over for what could have been the match winner.

The Reds are now third on the standings and boast a 2-1 winning record after putting aside the heartbreak of last week's golden point loss to the Hurricanes.

Queenlsland replacement first-five Harry McLaughlin-Phillips proved the standout for the Reds, getting the late penalty as the Chiefs attacked their line for 23 phases.

Cortez Ratima (centre) of the Chiefs in action during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 match between the Queensland Reds and the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AAP Image/Darren England / www.photosport.nz) Photo: DARREN ENGLAND

The Reds jumped out of the blocks and took a 15-11 lead into the halftime with tries to Fraser McReight and Matt Faessler.

However, the Chiefs rebounded and eventually hit the lead, only for Josh Flook to get the hosts back in front.

The Reds came up with the match-winning points despite the absence of star playmaker Tom Lynagh, who copped a brutal late shot to the ribs that forced him to leave the field in the 53rd minute.

Five-eighth Lynagh was steamrolled by Chiefs flanker Samipeni Finau just seconds after he'd been in the hands of the doctor with a shoulder complaint.

The Reds' defensive intensity could not be questioned, surviving two spells late in the first half and only conceding a solitary penalty goal.