Floyd Aubrey and Tom Lynagh have starred in the Queensland Reds’ 42-28 win over Saitama Wild Knights.
In a great sign for Queensland Rugby’s future, the pair of young guns dazzled in the 14-point victory to end their tour on a high.
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Aubrey crossed for a hat-trick in the win whilst Lynagh set up a pair of tries to take down the Japanese powerhouse.
Queensland Reds captain Ryan Smith spoke about his pride in leading the side out in an official capacity and he was gifted an early try when he placed the ball down at the back of the ruck a metre out.
Their second try was more expansive as Lynagh worked his magic.
The flyhalf took the line on after collecting a kick return, sprinting past four defenders before offloading to Aubrey.
The winger did very well to beat three defenders as the Reds took a sudden 14-0 lead after six minutes.
It was a perfect reminder to selectors the flyhalf is over hamstring issues that plagued his Rugby Championship campaign.
Saitama Wild Knights kept applying the pressure and winger Tatsuhiro Tanji snuck through and fought a valiant cover tackle from Josh Canham to score.
The Reds had their chances to extend their lead, with centre Frankie Goldsbrough bundled into touch five metres out after great burst from the 18-year-old on debut.
They were eventually rewarded in the 33rd minute when Lynagh almost barged his way over the line before a looping ball from Kalani Thomas hit Aubrey in the corner for a double.
However, a mistake 60 seconds later from the flyhalf presented an easy opportunity for the hosts to hit straight back through former Uni of Queensland product Jack Cornelsen.
A late penalty goal to Lynagh gave the Reds a 24-14 lead into the break.
Aubrey then become the third Red after Tim Ryan and Richie Asiata to claim a hat-trick in 2024 but did so in dubious fashion, chasing down and grounding a Kalani Thomas box kick in-goal that quite clearly looked dropped on replay.
As the Reds rung in their second half changes, the Wild Knights responded through Ockie Barnard, with Koki Takeyama’s try on the hour reduced the margin to three.
With the game breaking down, winger Heremaia Murray closed the win out for the Reds, diving over and just doing enough to get the ball to the line.
Two further penalties from Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips iced the win for the Reds to finish their Japan tour with a pair of wins.
