The Queensland Reds have sent a major message to the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific competition, upsetting the previously-undefeated Chiefs 25-22.
The Reds entered the contest understrength, with the likes of Jordan Petaia (wrist), Josh Flook (quad) and Taj Annan (concussion) ruled out to go with Harry Wilson and Matt Faessler on the bench.
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However, the visitors rallied under Brad Thorn and found themselves in front with 20 minutes to go after tries to Jock Campbell and Zane Nonggorr.
They didn't panic when the Chiefs scored and some heroism from Liam Wright got the ball back with scores levelled, before Tom Lynagh kicked them in front with three to go.
What followed epitomised the 'Queenslander' spirit, repelling the Chiefs for 27 phases before holding up Tyrone Thompson over the line to seal the win.
“It’s unbelievable,” co-captain Tate McDermott said after the match
“We’ve had a pretty poor season so to come down here and put on a show, I’m just so proud of the boys.
“We said be brave, obviously being massive underdogs and coming off a pretty poor result last week so it means everything. It gives us new life.
“…We turned up for each other and that’s all I can ask for.”
McDermott pointed to the kick battle as the difference as the likes of Lyngah, Lawson Creighton and Jock Campbell controlled the territory and took the sting out of their attack.
“We’ve always just lacked the polish and discipline has been an Achilles heel for us and tonight we put it away," he said.
“The boys kicked and defended really well, like a pack of dogs so I’m so proud of that.
“They have a class back three so it was about limiting that and inviting them into a kick battle and I thought we did really well to limit their threats at the back.”
The win all of a sudden sees the Reds leapfrog the Waratahs into sixth for the time being as they build momentum with their third win in four weeks.
“Everyone knows the situation that’s been happening for the past few years but I think for us, it was more we had nothing to lose," flanker Fraser McReight added.
“It was really tight for the final situation with that final two spots, obviously the Chiefs are undefeated so we knew they had the power and we didn’t matter, people were going to write us off.
“It was great to see that Queensland fight and some good results.
