Super Rugby - Reds v Highlanders

The Queensland Reds got the win in their first home game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, beating the Highlanders 31 - 14 at Suncorp Stadium. 

The Reds were boosted by the return from injury of 5 Wallabies: Harry Wilson, Carter Gordon, Kalani Thomas, Josh Nasser and Filipo Daugunu.

Queensland Reds 31 (Tries: Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Vaiuta Latu; Conversions: Louis Werchon 2, Jock Campbell) defeated Highlanders 14 (Tries: Adam Lennox, Lucas Casey; Conversions: Cameron Millar 2)

Crowd: 13,016

Venue: Suncorp Stadium

Gallery

Teams

Reds (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Michael Winter

TMO: Aaron Paterson

Commentary

0 We are underway as the referee Nic Berry blows their whistle.

4 The defensive line has been broken as Josh Flook goes through the gap.

12 A gap opened in the defence and Caleb Tangitau took full advantage.

17 This is dangerous for the defence as Tim Ryan bursts through to advance the Queensland Reds attack.

17 Tim Ryan sets up the try.

17 What a kick! Fraser McReight takes full advantage to score for Queensland Reds.

19 Louis Werchon converts the try.

20 Highlanders decide to make a substitution, with Jona Nareki being replaced.

20 Highlanders decide to make a substitution, with Tanielu Tele'a getting some game time.

21 This is dangerous for the defence as TK Howden bursts through to advance the Highlanders attack.

27 Trouble here as Matt Faessler breaches the defence.

27 The pressure has finally told as Matt Faessler scores from close range.

28 Louis Werchon curls the ball too far, missing the posts to the right.

30 Spellbinding play by Jack Taylor is finished off with a try.

30 Trouble here as Adam Lennox breaches the defence.

30 Silky skills by Highlanders ends with a try for Adam Lennox.

31 Cameron Millar does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.

31 Matt Faessler leaves the field.

31 Josh Nasser comes on for Queensland Reds.

34 Fabulous play by Queensland Reds has led to Joe Brial being able to wriggle through a gap.

34 Fraser McReight sets up the try.

34 Incisive passing by Queensland Reds is finished off by Tim Ryan, as they goes over for the try.

35 Louis Werchon does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.

35 Tanielu Tele'a departs for Highlanders.

35 Highlanders sub Jona Nareki comes onto the field.

39 Fabulous play by Queensland Reds has led to Josh Nasser being able to wriggle through a gap.

40 The half-time whistle blows and both teams head for the dressing rooms.

40 The second half kicks off.

42 Timoci Tavatavanawai makes the break as the defence re-enacts the parting of the red sea.

43 Highlanders make a substitution with Will Stodart coming off.

43 Highlanders make a substitution with Oliver Haig coming on.

51 Adam Lennox sets up the try.

51 Lucas Casey scores! That alone was worth the admission price!!!

52 The touch judges raise their flags as Cameron Millar kicks the conversion.

54 Zane Nonggorr comes off.

54 Jeff Toomaga-Allen comes on.

56 Louis Werchon played a key part in that try.

56 Nothing was going to stop Lukhan Salakaia-Loto from scoring as they record the try for Queensland Reds.

57 Louis Werchon has hooked the conversion to the left of the posts.

58 Hunter Paisami leaves the field.

58 Filipo Daugunu comes on for Queensland Reds.

58 Harry Wilson leaves the field.

58 Vaiuta Latu comes on for Queensland Reds.

58 Ethan de Groot leaves the field.

58 Daniel Lienert-Brown comes on for Highlanders.

58 Jack Taylor leaves the field.

58 Soane Vikena comes on for Highlanders.

58 Rohan Wingham leaves the field.

58 Sefo Kautai comes on for Highlanders.

58 Adam Lennox leaves the field.

58 Folau Fakatava comes on for Highlanders.

58 Cameron Millar leaves the field.

58 Reesjan Pasitoa comes on for Highlanders.

59 The defensive line has been broken as Joe Brial goes through the gap.

61 The defensive line has been broken as Vaiuta Latu goes through the gap.

61 Queensland Reds are only a few metres out, surely they must score! And they do with Vaiuta Latu touching down.

61 The Queensland Reds supporters go wild as Jock Campbell successfully kicks the conversion.

62 Aidan Ross departs for Queensland Reds.

62 Queensland Reds sub George Blake comes onto the field.

62 Louis Werchon departs for Queensland Reds.

62 Queensland Reds sub Kalani Thomas comes onto the field.

62 Sean Withy departs for Highlanders.

62 Highlanders sub Veveni Lasaqa comes onto the field.

62 Timoci Tavatavanawai departs for Highlanders.

62 Highlanders sub Tanielu Tele'a comes onto the field.

67 Queensland Reds make a substitution with Carter Gordon coming off.

67 Queensland Reds make a substitution with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips coming on.

72 A gap opened in the defence and Vaiuta Latu took full advantage.

72 Highlanders decide to make a substitution, with Lucas Casey being replaced.

72 Highlanders decide to make a substitution, with Sean Withy getting some game time.

72 A gap opened in the defence and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips took full advantage.

75 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto comes off.

75 Hamish Muller comes on.

80 It's all over! The referee Nic Berry has blown their whistle to end the game.