The Queensland Reds put a busy bye week behind them to secure a 31-17 win over the Western Force.
They never really looked challenged at home as their key Wallabies took the visitors out of the contest.
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So what did we learn?
1 CATTLE PROD SALES RISE
Coaches of all levels may be heading to their nearest livestock suppliers for some extra inspiration such was the effectiveness of Eddie Jones’ influence on the Reds’ Wallaby contingency.
Harry Wilson was at his workhorse best with 19 carries and eight tackles. However, it’s his work to quickly get to the breakdown and fire the pass to McReight for his second that stood out above and beyond.
Meanwhile, Tate McDermott caused chaos around the ruck in the battle of the explosive halves, keeping the Reds on the front foot as he responds from his non-selection
Suliasi Vunivalu hunted for the ball throughout the game more than what the stat sheet suggests and looked to have found the explosiveness that set up apart as of the most damaging wingers in the NRL.
2. ELITE POSITIONING
But speaking of Wallabies that impressed, Fraser McReight produced one of his best games for the Reds
He finds a way to put himself in the perfect position to snatch up a break or a half chance, scoring two quick tries in exactly the same manner - second phase off a quick tap diving in from less than a metre out.
The flanker nearly had his third if not for a forward pass from Liam Wright and obstruction from Harry Wilson whilst was 30 seconds from throwing the final ball to set up Jordan Petaia.
Naturally, this extends to the breakdown, seeming to cut down his penalties and pick the moments to latch over the ball and get the pilfer. He finished with three turnovers to complete a great weekend for the Wallaby number sevens after Michael Hooper's best game of 2023 and a typical Brad Wilkin's captain knock
3. RE-SIGNING PRIORITY
The Force needs to find a way to keep Zach Kibirge long-term in Western Australia.
The English flyer has been a revelation since arriving from Wasps, showing the finishing ability with a great finish in the corner in the opening ten minutes.
He made their most impactful break of the second half to run over Tate McDermott, before snatching the intercept to score his second.
The Stan Sport crew were begging for the Force to give the Saracens-linked winger a fresh deal and it’s easy to see why.
4. CURSED INJURY LUCK
The Force just can’t take a trick when it comes to injuries.
They seem to cop some horrid pre-game luck with Santiago Medrano the latest to be a late withdrawal, pulling out with a rib complaint to join Folau Fainga’a (Achilles) and Tom Robertson (calf). Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco didn’t make the trip to Queensland, awaiting the birth of his second child.
During the game, Tim Anstee failed his HIA, followed off the field by a limping Bryce Hegarty, who was influential in last week’s win over the Highlanders
Simon Cron will be hoping for a cleaner bill of health for the run home if they wish to contend for the finals
5. DERBY WITH EXTRA SPICE
The results of the weekend have added extra meaning to next Saturday’s grudge match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs.
The battle of sixth v seventh in Townsville will likely see one team make a major leap away from the chasing finals pack, with every team below them playing someone in the top five.
Brad Thorn’s men are starting to find their feet and back-to-back wins will only boost their confidence.
Meanwhile, Waratahs coach Darren Coleman spoke to the hunger of getting one over his Queensland counterparts on Friday after dropping both games in 2022 in narrow fashion.
The perfect Saturday evening clash.
