The Queensland Reds score a important 31-17 win over the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium tonight. The win sees the Reds stay in the Top 8, ahead of next week's crucial derby against the Waratahs in Townsville.
Fraser McReight scored 2 tries for the Reds, and Bond Uni's George Blake scored a try on debut.
Queensland Reds 31 (Tries: Fraser McReight 2, Matt Faessler, George Blake; Conversions: Lawson Creighton 3, Tom Lynagh; Penalties: Lynagh) defeated Western Force 17 (Tries: Zach Kibirige 2, Michaell Wells; Conversions: Ian Prior)
Gallery
Teams
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell, James O'Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia
RESERVES: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu
FORCE (1-15): Charlie Hancock, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells (c), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bryce Hegarty, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman
Referee: Reuben Keane
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way
Commentary
0 We are underway as the referee blows their whistle.2 The defensive line has been broken as Zach Kibirige goes through the gap.
6 The defensive line has been broken as Chase Tiatia goes through the gap.
6 That's a great try assist by Tom Horton.
6 Great hands by Western Force leads to a try for Zach Kibirige
8 Bryce Hegarty has hooked the conversion to the right of the posts.
16 Suliasi Vunivalu sets up the try.
16 Queensland Reds are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Fraser McReight picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try.
17 Lawson Creighton converts the try.
23 That's a great try assist by Harry Wilson.
23 Queensland Reds are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Fraser McReight picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try.
24 Lawson Creighton makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
27 Trouble here as Fraser McReight breaches the defence.
30 Trouble here as Tate McDermott breaches the defence.
31 It's going to take a miracle to stop this Queensland Reds maul...no miracles today as Matt Faessler powers over.
32 Lawson Creighton does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
40 The half-time whistle blows and both teams head for the dressing rooms.
40 The second half kicks off.
40 Queensland Reds make a substitution with James O'Connor coming off.
40 Queensland Reds make a substitution with Tom Lynagh coming on.
40 Western Force make a substitution with Tim Anstee coming off.
40 Western Force make a substitution with Jackson Pugh coming on.
40 Western Force make a substitution with Siosifa Amone coming off.
40 Western Force make a substitution with Bo Abra coming on.
48 Western Force decide to make a substitution, with Chase Tiatia being replaced.
48 Western Force decide to make a substitution, with George Poolman getting some game time.
48 Western Force decide to make a substitution, with Charlie Hancock being replaced.
48 Western Force decide to make a substitution, with Marley Pearce getting some game time.
53 Nothing was going to stop Michael Wells from scoring as they record the try for Western Force.
54 Bryce Hegarty has hooked the conversion to the right of the posts.
55 Sef Fa'agase leaves the field.
55 George Blake comes on for Queensland Reds.
55 Connor Vest leaves the field.
55 Ryan Smith comes on for Queensland Reds.
55 Zane Nonggorr leaves the field.
55 Peni Ravai comes on for Queensland Reds.
57 Felix Kalapu leaves the field.
57 Ryan McCauley comes on for Western Force.
57 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa leaves the field.
57 Ian Prior comes on for Western Force.
57 Bryce Hegarty leaves the field.
57 Bayley Kuenzle comes on for Western Force.
60 Matt Faessler departs for Queensland Reds.
60 Queensland Reds sub Richie Asiata comes onto the field.
64 Queensland Reds are only a few metres out, surely they must score! And they do with George Blake touching down.
65 The Queensland Reds supporters go wild as Tom Lynagh successfully kicks the conversion.
66 Western Force make a substitution with Tom Horton coming off.
66 Western Force make a substitution with Feleti Kaitu'u coming on.
68 A gap opened in the defence and Jackson Pugh took full advantage.
68 A gap opened in the defence and Zach Kibirige took full advantage.
69 Queensland Reds make a substitution with Jordan Petaia coming off.
69 Queensland Reds make a substitution with Filipo Daugunu coming on.
70 A gap opened in the defence and Filipo Daugunu took full advantage.
70 Queensland Reds decide to make a substitution, with Tate McDermott being replaced.
70 Queensland Reds decide to make a substitution, with Kalani Thomas getting some game time.
70 Queensland Reds decide to make a substitution, with Seru Uru being replaced.
70 Queensland Reds decide to make a substitution, with Jake Upfield getting some game time.
72 A gap opened in the defence and Zach Kibirige took full advantage.
72 Zach Kibirige scores an interception try.
73 Ian Prior has kicked a conversion.
78 Tom Lynagh kicks the penalty.
80 It's all over! The referee has blown their whistle to end the game.