Queensland moves to the top of the Super Rugby ladder for first time since 2012

Queensland Reds are back on the top of the Super Rugby ladder for the first time since 2012, as a late try got them home against the Western Force at a rain-soaked Suncorp Stadium.

Tom Lynagh of the Reds is runs with the ball against the Western Force. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

For the first time since 2012, the Queensland Reds have hit the top of the Super Rugby ladder and it was the club’s worst performance of the season which delivered them top-billing entering round eight.

On a rain-soaked Suncorp Stadium deck, Queensland’s dismal lineout and ill discipline gave the Force every chance but it was the home side who were able to clinch a 28-24 victory.

With Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt watching on, powerhouse Fijian Duo Seru Uru (blindside flanker) and Filipo Daugunu (outside centre) put their best foot forward for a Lions series call-up.

The Reds were sloppy in every sense of the word, but the flare-filled Fijian’s added just enough to get them over the line after twice playing with 14 men when Alex Hodgman and John Bryant were carded on either side of oranges.

Ryan Smith of the Reds in the line out as he tries to win the ball against the Western Force. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The match was deadlocked at 21-all entering the second half and entering the final quarter the Force had their noses ahead by three. It wasn’t until a timely try by Tate McDermott (72nd) that gave Reds supporters a reason to get off their seats and cheer.

So horrendous was the Reds lineout they butchered around 10 chances to take charge and ensure victory. While it wasn’t always the fault of Richie Asiata and Josh Nasser, the return of Wallaby hooker Matt Faessler for next weekend could not come at a better time.

SHOCKING LINEOUT PLAGUES REDS’ FIRST HALF

Queensland were lucky to enter the second half tied at 21-all after the home side crumbled at lineout time to give the Force free rein.

Hooker Asiata and his lifters weren’t on the same page and while it didn’t directly lead to a Force try, it prevented Queensland from landing plenty and it endured late into the match when interchange No. 2 Nasser unsuccessfully turned the tide.

Queensland only ventured into the Force’s 22m four times in the first stanza and came away with five-pointers on three occasions.

Luckily for the misfiring Reds pack, when an errant Asiata throw landed in no man’s land, Tom Lynagh was present to scoop it up, jink away from a defender and pop up a flick pass as he fell to ground to create a stunning try (24th).

Inside centre Dre Pakeho, 20, dove in under the posts to score the first of many tries in his fledgling Super Rugby career.

Pakeho, the reigning Queensland Rugby Under-20s Player of the Year, was thrust into the starting line-up on Saturday after Hunter Paisami (broken nose) was a late scratching.

Pakeho’s sledgehammer defence was excellent in the first half and scrumhalf Kalani Thomas, who selflessly handed Pakeho the try, was also very impressive with his footwork and service. When McDermott came on with a little over 30 minutes left, he scored the go-ahead try and added the essential finishing touches.

UP AGAINST IT

Twice Queensland played down a man and across that 20 minutes they only conceded one try. The stoic defence they displayed when disadvantaged was one of few positives which came out of the messy four-point triumph.

The impact of the boundless Uru and freight-train centre Daugunu were the others. Uru’s offloading, mobility and genuine x-factor would have caught Schmidt’s eye. As would have Daugunu’s vastly improved kicking game, line speed and hunger in attack. Daugunu scored a try (4th) and Uru set up the second when fullback Heremaia Murray scored (11th) in the left corner.

Captain Ryan Smith put in a tradesmen’s like performance and around him Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachie Anderson and Pakeho were strong.

Importantly, flyhalf Tom Lynagh kicked all four of his conversion attempts to topple a Carlo Tizzano-led Force outfit.

Tizzano, a try scoring phenom, scored his third double of the season to give his side every chance of snaring an away win in wet conditions.

Originally published as Queensland moves to the top of the Super Rugby ladder for first time since 2012