Super Rugby Pacific 2025: Queensland Reds brave in bruising top of the table clash against Waikato’s Chiefs

Despite the loss at a rain-soaked FMG Stadium in Waikato, New Zealand, the Queensland Reds showed they are championship potential.

The Queensland Reds fell agonisingly short, 27-15, in a bruising top of the table clash against the Chiefs which exceeded expectations on Friday.

The Chiefs came home the stronger of the two at FMG Stadium Waikato, after the rain-soaked skirmish saw the hosts enjoy a glut of possession and field territory. Queensland withstood a yellow card to prop Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen (41st) to come away unscathed and head into the final quarter trailing 13-10. That was before the hosts, spearheaded by captain and No. 8 Luke Jacobson, hit sixth gear and slammed the door shut.

First points of the night thanks to @ChiefsRugby captain Luke Jacobson 💪#SuperRugbyPacific#CHIvREDpic.twitter.com/8smX3F7t9M

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 4, 2025

Queensland will leave Hamilton knowing that, while the game was there for the taking, the defence they displayed was reflective of a team capable of winning Super Rugby Pacific.

There were too many times to count how often the Chiefs could have scored. Queensland, with Joe Brial, Harry Wilson and Josh Canham outstanding, repelled and repelled again to keep the game hanging in the balance for the first hour.

Every angle of THAT try 😮‍💨

Joe Brial take a bow 👏#SuperRugbyPacific#CHIvREDpic.twitter.com/tZmEuBd5Ku

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 4, 2025

CHIEFS CHARGE HOME

It was a ding-dong battle which wasn’t decided until reserve scrumhalf Xavier Roe darted over in the 78th minute to make it 20-10. Until that point, Queensland attacked with their sledgehammer defence to deny the Chiefs on countless occasions and match fire with fire.

So airtight was the Reds defence that Damian McKenzie took two penalty goals to give his side a slender three-point lead on two occasions.

“We probably lost our way a little in that second half,” Reds captain Tate McDermott concluded.

Tate McDermott in action against the Chiefs. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

McDermott is referencing the Chiefs’ stunning 17-0 scoring spurt leading up to Tom Lynagh’s 80th minute try which was too little too late.

Reserve hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and Roe crossed to crush the Reds hopes after the visitors had withstood immense pressure for the first thirty minutes of the second half.

Two tries in the space of eight minutes leading into full time was the difference.

DAUGUNU DELIVERS, AGAIN

Reds outside back Filipo Daugunu moved one step closer to an imminent Wallaby call up with another influential game – this time on the wing.

A Wallaby in waiting, Daugunu has delivered in spades this season, mostly from outside centre. Back on the wing for this game, Daugunu showed he is a viable exit kick option and his kick chase pressure was relentless.

Filipo Daugunu contests a high ball against the Chiefs. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

The Reds back three of Daugunu, Lachie Anderson and Heremaia Murray (fullback) all adapted well to the wet conditions, with Daugunu setting up a crucial Queensland try on the cusp of half time to equalise the scores at 10-all.

Heremaia Murray fends off the Chiefs’ Jahrome Brown. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

The Fijian flyer sent a garryowen into the air, forced a Chiefs knock on with his pressure before mobile big man Joe Brial (No. 8) toed the ball ahead and scored.

It was a sensational try which followed a half of poor handling by the hosts. The Chiefs made five handling errors and three high-ball mistakes.

In the 63rd minute, Daugunu was the man again winning a penalty at the breakdown when the home side led 13-10 and were knocking on the door. It signified the Reds’ defensive intensity and scrappiness which had them ever so close to snaring an away victory and top-billing on the Super Rugby ladder.

Originally published as Super Rugby Pacific 2025: Queensland Reds brave in bruising top of the table clash against Waikato’s Chiefs