Super Rugby 2025: The Queensland Reds do a disappearing act in second half against ACT Brumbies
Two losses in a row for the Queensland Reds as their Super Rugby campaign hits a roadblock courtesy of the bruising Brumbies.
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The Queensland Reds virtually disappeared after scoring their second try in the 20th minute of Saturday’s dismal 39-26 loss against the ACT Brumbies.
Two second-half tries more than 30 minutes apart did next-to nothing as the Brumbies turned Suncorp into their personal playground in a stunning come-from-behind win which saw them leapfrog the Reds into third on the Super Rugby ladder.
It came at a cost. 2023 World Cup prop Blake Schoupp looks to have snapped his achilles tendon.
“My understanding is he snapped his achilles. He will need an operation and the rehab from there will be up around nine months,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham concluded.
The visitors’ Suncorp success started with Rob Valetini’s running game and finished with a Billy Pollard double as the Reds suffered their second-straight loss heading into a bye round.
It was a lacklustre display by the home side, who struggled to fire a shot for the hour approaching full time. Impressive inside centre Dre Pakeho scored just shy of full time before Corey Toole said ‘take this’ with a try of his own on the siren.
Stunned by a 14-0 Reds start, the Brumbies out-enthused the Queenslanders despite star outside centre Len Ikitau leaving the field in the 4th minute after suffering a head knock when tackling Lachie Anderson.
BRUISING BRUMBIES
The men from the nation’s capital won the scrum battle and had all the field position in the second half as regular game-changers Fraser McReight, Tom Lynagh and Hunter Paisami were nullified.
“Obviously disappointed with the result, and probably more so how we ended up with that result,” said Reds captain Tate McDermott.
“I’m really proud of this team still. We just weren’t good enough for long enough. To the Brumbies credit, they applied the pressure and they came away with points whenever they entered our 22 which was disappointing.
“It’s not all a catastrophe for us.”
McDermott is referencing the 50-cap milestones for Zane Nonngorr and Matt Faessler and of course his own 100-cap milestone.
The Reds got within two points when trailing 21-19 with a little over 30 minutes to play when Richie Asiata scored his second try.
Quickly the Brumbies quelled that momentum to go ahead 31-19 with 25 minutes left. Hooker Billy Pollard scored twice within five minutes to stretch the lead.
Then halfback Ryan Lonergan silenced the crowd when slotting a penalty goal just shy of halfway (72nd).
It spelled wraps for Queensland, who have now lost four in a row against their toughest rivals this decade.
“There was nothing really spectacular about the performance bar the fact that there was maximum effort on the field tonight from our boys, which is great,” said Larkham.
The @BrumbiesRugby have the final say 💪#SuperRugbyPacific#REDvBRUpic.twitter.com/zEIIJ8rN6U
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 12, 2025
LOLESIO, TUALIMA STEP UP
The Brumbies rebounded brilliantly after an early head knock to Wallaby centre Ikitau left them lacking backline firepower.
Queensland started fast and fantastic before the Brumbies were seemingly running down hill for the 20 minutes approaching half time. Three successive tries by the visitors saw them lead 21-14 at the break and it was a classy 50-22 by flyhalf maestro Noah Lolesio which led to No.8 giant Tuaina Tualima capturing his team’s first lead on the cusp of half.
Barnstorming breakaway Valetini was his destructive self giving the Brumbies a platform to thrive off and pressure quickly turned to points as the Reds surrendered to a 21-nil scoring spurt in muddy conditions.
TIT FOR TAT
Ikitau’s departure meant little to the amped-up Brumbies who had no troubles generating attacking spark elsewhere.
Just 10 minutes later, Reds hooker Matt Faessler limped off the field after he was crushed in the breakdown after bringing Nick Frost to ground.
Hooker Asiata was summoned and he scored almost immediately after McDermott almost scurried over. Asiata scored his second early in the second half which was all-important but the visitors provided a viscous response on their way to a 13-point statement win.
The Reds had started their home-turf protection in pulsating fashion when midfielder Hunter Paisami produced a special chip-and-chase try to open the scoring. The blazing trail left by his bright yellow boots was welcomed by 12331 fans who braved the rain to attend but in the end they went without reward.
Ikitau will miss the Brumbies next match against Moana Pasifika due to concussion protocols while Faessler, who suffered a hamstring niggle, was taken off as a precaution.
The extent of his injury is yet to be determined.
“We don’t know the severity of it yet, but we just immobilised it to make sure we get in front of it early,” said Reds coach Les Kiss.
“He couldn’t continue, which is unfortunate for him, because 50 caps you should be able to celebrate differently.”
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Originally published as Super Rugby 2025: The Queensland Reds do a disappearing act in second half against ACT Brumbies
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