Tom Lynagh’s early double sets up Reds’ big win over Blues

The Queensland Reds flexed considerable championship muscle in its 35-21 thwarting of the Auckland Blues, capitalising on a hot start fuelled by Tom Lynagh’s early double.

Tim Ryan celebrates during the Queensland Reds’ win against the Blues. Picture: Getty Images

The Queensland Reds flexed considerable championship muscle in its 35-21 thwarting of the Auckland Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Before 16394 fans, the home side came out like a house on fire. Tom Lynagh scored two tries within the opening 10 minutes to quickly pin the reigning premiers on the back foot and keep them spiralling back down to earth as the champs slumped to ninth on the Super Rugby ladder.

A defensive shutdown of the Kiwi’s was just what Reds coach Les Kiss was looking for after his side suffered losses to the Chiefs and Brumbies leading into last week’s bye.

Reds star Tom Lynagh was awarded the ANZAC medal. Picture: Getty Images

Queensland made three try saving tackles in the first stanza, quelled the Blues’ rolling maul well and had heroic halves combination Tate McDemott and Tom Lynagh licking their lips for more as the Australian tone-setters turned Anzac inspiration into a 14-point bashing.

The home-turf trumping, the first over the Blues since 2019, was all the more impressive given the Reds were without Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser and Matt Gibbon - all capped Wallabies.

Lynagh scored 20 of the Reds’ 35 points with the boom flyhalf slotting all five of his conversions to rub salt into the wounds of a Blues outfit which had two tries disallowed.

Tate McDermott celebrates a try. Picture: Getty Images

SUPERB START

The home side surged to a 14-nil lead within the blink of an eye. A quick fire double by Lynagh lit up the Cauldron after a touching Anzac service set the scene prior to kick-off.

Lynagh scored in the fifth minute after physical and plentiful phase play laid a nice platform for the blonde-haired prodigy to score near the right upright. He scurried over his second shortly after when midfielder Hunter Paisami and Jock Campbell connected on the left edge to present a golden opportunity. Campbell, in his first start since round 2 after recovering from a broken arm, played out a solid 80 minutes.

Tom Lynagh walks out for the Reds. Picture: Getty Images

Blues hooker Kurt Eklund, who was denied a 12th minute rolling maul try when referee James Doleman called obstruction against Patrick Tuipulotu, snared the Blues first points just three minutes from the half time break to give his side a sniff.

Seven points was as close as they would come with a textbook McDermott dash from the ruck base (50th) burying the Blues at 21-7.

A superb lineout play, put in motion by hooker Richie Asiata, saw Lachie Anderson score next before Asiata asserted himself (69th) to put the match out of reach when Queensland led 35-14.

DEFENCE OF DOGS

Queensland led 14-7 entering the second stanza after an inspired defensive display repelled the bashful Blues on three straight occasions.

After surrendering to a 14-0 deficit within the opening seven minutes, the visitors returned serve to test the Reds armour - to no avail.

Lachie Anderson scores a try for the Reds. Picture: Getty Images

Wiry winger Tim Ryan made a terrific tackle on the biggest player on the field, No.8 Hoskins Sotutu, and then another trysaver followed from Lynagh and McDermott on trying hooker Eklund.

A third trysaver within a fantastic 10-minute span of premiership-defence came when towering lock Josh Canham and Ryan held flanker Cam Christie up over the line.

It was sensational stuff which had the Blues brainstorming different ways to try break down the barn door. Two tries late in the match was a just reward for a side which rallied hard despite a Mark Tele’a red card (36th) and poor ball-security under the high ball plaguing their pursuit of victory.

Originally published as Tom Lynagh’s early double sets up Reds’ big win over Blues