Five things we learnt from Queensland Reds v Chiefs

The Queensland Reds dug deep for a special 25-19 win over the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds players kept talking about how 'fun' the game was and it showed as they dazzled in attack in the first half before tackling everything that moved in the second half to secure the win.

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It establishes them as serious title contenders, particular after how the Hurricanes went on to defeat the Blues earlier in the day.

So what did we learn?

1. Queenslander

The Reds have arrived in Super Rugby Pacific.

There have been so many times where Australian teams have found themselves in this position where there’s been a strong crowd and plenty of momentum, only to either let the game slip at the end, let alone not even be in the fight.

Not this Queensland side.

They fought their hearts out and scrambled like their lives depended on it. It replicated their heroics of 2023 but added Les Kiss’ flashy attack that troubled the Chiefs, especially in the first half.

Les Kiss called the win 'titanic' after the game and It’s the type of win that will ensure there’s more than 16,725 at the ground when they next play at home on March 30 against rivals ACT Brumbies.

In a round where the Blues and Crusaders also went down, it presents Super Rugby Pacific a wide-open competition full of exciting, high-scoring matches for fans to get behind.

2. Harry the hero

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has announced himself in Super Rugby.

The incumbent Australia U20s playmaker was the hero at the end, putting his undersized frame in the right spot to steal the game-winning turnover.

On top of that, his kick to find Josh Flook found the right bounce to get them back in front.

He’s a name to remember as he prepares to lead the U20s into the World Championships later in the year.

3. Value of experienced front-rowers

A lot was made about the Reds looking overseas for front-rowers but it paid off at the end.

Peni Ravai and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen are seasoned veterans with experience all over the world and it paid off against the Chiefs scrum late in the game.

They won several penalties to halt the Chiefs' momentum to go with some key tackles late. The pair made a combined 15 tackles with no misses. 

4. What Test players do

Fraser McReight’s pilfers are the type of plays contending teams need to make to close out big games and compete for a title.

He saw his opportunity to isolate Luke Jacobson right on half-time and stole the ball, setting up Tom Lynagh to kick an easy penalty.

This was followed in the 52nd minute with a similar play to reduce the margin to one, with the two resulting shots at goal the difference.

It sounds simple but steals like that have haunted Australian teams for years, just ask the Waratahs on Friday.

McReight is making sure there’s little discourse about who should be the number seven for the Wallabies.

5. Mixed night for special Suli

It’s a sight to see when Suliasi Vunivalu is at his attacking best.

The winger was the constant man to break the Chiefs open in the first half an hour, slicing the line early before a similar break in the 20th was negated by a poor choice finding his supporting player.

He showed the growth minutes later with some great hands to set Harry Wilson into space for McReight’s try.

However, the defence remains a massive work on and his kicking game led to a Shaun Stevenson try when he hesitated and was charged down. 

But if he can fix that, this can definitely be the best version of Vunivalu we’ve seen in Rugby.