A season of promise derailed: Four things learnt in Reds’ final defeat

There were promising signs early their Christchurch hoodoo was behind them, and their run of first week Super Rugby finals exits would come to an end.

But once the Crusaders found their groove, ultimately the Queensland Reds proved their own worst enemy – outmuscled, outclassed and out-disciplined in a 32-12 qualifying final defeat.

Simple errors cost coach Les Kiss’ men early on, with an unforced knock on inside their rivals’ five-metre line spoiling a clear chance, before Scott Barrett forced a mistake at the other end of the field to score himself.

The Crusades’ scrum was completely dominant, with their forward strength obvious throughout - despite a late consolation try from a rolling maul to Josh Nasser.

But it was the penalty count which perhaps would have frustrated Kiss the most – the count finishing 11-6 in the Crusaders favour, evened out with some late calls, with tries to Tamati Williams and Rivez Reihana coming from the territory those advances gifted the Kiwi juggernauts.

They were hardly helped by losing five-eighth Tom Lynagh to a HIA after 34 minutes, but in moist conditions – stifled of possession and territory – the Reds were unable to play the expansive game which Kiss has encouraged in his troops.

Flook makes his Wallabies case

Without prompting when he came to Brisbane for the British and Irish Lions series 50-day countdown, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt brought up Josh Flook’s name.

The outside centre was about to play his first game in three months after suffering a ruptured hamstring, and since his comeback, the 23-year-old has hardly put a foot wrong.

It began with his try-scoring return against the Fijian Drua last week before his exploits on Friday night threatened to get the Reds on thee front foot early.

Sevu Reece of the Crusaders celebrates after Tamaiti Williams scores against the Reds.Credit: Getty

His well-weighted kick in behind the Crusaders while on the run to give his side a golden chance to build some pressure, and he followed it up with a linebreak and brilliant long ball to Lachie Anderson to present another opportunity.

Flook was lauded by Wilson as “our best player on the field tonight” – topping the Reds run metre count with 44 from six carries while beating three defenders, to keep him in the Test hunt to take on the Lions.

Did injuries cruel Queensland’s cause?

This was a Queensland team clearly on its last legs, with their overflowing casualty ward forcing them to use 36 players this year.

The Crusaders were clear victors in the territory battle. Rarely did they look flustered at the breakdown, and they were frequently able to exploit gaps behind the ruck.

That much was evident as they scored through halfback Noah Hotham in the second half, darting and kicking behind after a pair of strong carries from his forward pack – winning the race to the punt ahead.

By contrast, the Reds got too few opportunities to unleash their clinical backline, and appeared unable to string together a consistent run of phases to build momentum and field position to target their strengths.

On the sidelines Matt Faessler, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Hodgman and Massimo De Lutiis with injuries, but perhaps the biggest loss given how the contest played out was Seru Uru.

Uru’s unpredictability, late offloads and damaging ball carries would have injected some hesitancy in the Crusaders defence, with the Reds not showing some x-factor until it was too late – Harry Wilson’s remarkable chip dived on by Frasere McReight to add some respectability to the score.

Uru, who just missed out on recovering from a knee injury in time to take the field, has become one of the most innovative forwards in Australian rugby, with Reds and Wallabies lock Josh Canham alluding as much about his teammate’s unique skillset.

Where to now for the Reds?

There is clearly a feeling within this Reds squad they are building towards something special, and Kiss’ last season at the helm could be the time to prove it.

Second-string halfback Kalani Thomas suggested as much upon his re-signing until the end of 2027 this week, when he hinted at having other options overseas to consider – where he may have had a better chance at starting rather than being stuck behind Tate McDermott.

Thomas – who replaced McDermott with 20 minutes remaining – is not alone in extending his tenure at Ballymore, with fellow fringe star Richie Asiata, who became the club’s leading hooker in the injury absences of Matt Faessler and Nasser, also signing for 2026 this week.

Wallabies superstars Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu, Seru Uru, Zane Nonggorr, Flook and Faessler were all joined by Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Joe Brial in securing their stay in Queensland.

The reality, however, is that the Reds have finished in the same spot as they did last year – fifth, and a limp exit playing in New Zealand.

But with other prospects such as Dre Pakeho, Nick Boomfield, Brial and De Lutiis making their mark, Kiss believed next year’s outlook was a promising one to break this streak of early finals exits.