Queensland Reds Beat Highlanders 31-14 in Super Rugby

Reds crush Highlanders in Super Rugby

Queensland Reds overcome Otago Highlanders 31-14 in Super Rugby. Carter Gordon and Harry Wilson lead strong performance.

Reds' back-three scores five tries as they beat Highlanders 31-14. Gordon makes impressive debut...

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss praised his team's “brilliant industry” after their impressive 31-14 Super Rugby win over the Otago Highlanders in Brisbane. He specifically highlighted Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon's performance, saying Gordon showed a “really calm head” and added direction to the team despite some unforced errors.

The Reds' back-three was instrumental in their victory, with tries from Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and Vaiuta Latu. Gordon's debut was marked by quality moments and some fumbles, but he played strong and physical, earning praise from Kiss.

The Reds' season got a much-needed boost with this win, coming off a tough 36-12 loss to the NSW Waratahs and a bye week.

“The boys' industry was brilliant. It wasn't perfect but the boys stuck at it and got in front of the game when they needed to,“ said Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach in July.

“Our back three were chasing everything, working hard off the ball and on it. Our locks and backrow were very strong and set a good platform.“

The Reds' try-scorers - Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and Vaiuta Latu - showcased the team's strong work ethic and attacking prowess, making the most of their opportunities with ball in hand.

The Queensland Reds got a boost from the return of Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson, who was immense in defence, and Carter Gordon, a former Melbourne Rebels star making his Reds debut after switching back to rugby union from rugby league. Gordon showed flashes of quality but also made some unforced errors, reflecting his mixed form.

Coach Les Kiss praised Gordon's performance, saying he added a “really calm head” and provided direction despite some fumbles. 

“Of his own admission a couple of fumbles, few passes and kicks but he added a really calm head,” Kiss said.

“He gave us direction ... he played strong and physical and that's important. He's in there, really happy with that hit-out as a first time. Wasn't complete, but it was good and strong.”

The Highlanders' loss to the Reds marks their second consecutive defeat, following a narrow loss to the Waikato Chiefs last week. After beating the Crusaders in round one, the team's failure to capitalize on a good start has coach Jamie Joseph concerned.

Joseph, a top contender for the All Blacks coach role, was disappointed with his team's inability to build on their momentum. 

“The fact we've only won four times here in 30 years tells you something,” he said.

“It's not just this year, last year, year before ... the Highlanders have really struggled here.”