Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss commended his squad’s outstanding work rate, spotlighting Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon, following a commanding 31-14 Super Rugby victory against the Otago Highlanders in Brisbane on Friday night.
Reds Bounce Back Strongly
The win propels the Reds forward after an earlier 36-12 defeat to the NSW Waratahs and a subsequent bye. The hosts overcame a Highlanders team that had stunned defending champions Canterbury Crusaders in round one.
“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,” Kiss stated. He takes over as Wallabies coach from Joe Schmidt 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.”
Key Scorers and Standouts
Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Tim Ryan, Lhan Salakaia-Loto, and Vaiuta Latu crossed for tries, reflecting the team’s relentless effort and threat with possession. The return of Wallabies captain Harry Wilson from injury bolstered the defense immensely, while Gordon debuted for the Reds after switching back from rugby league.
Gordon showed composure amid some errors. “Of his own admission a couple of fumbles, few passes and kicks but he added a really calm head,” Kiss noted. “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.”
Highlanders’ Struggles Continue
The Highlanders, who narrowly lost to the Waikato Chiefs last week, suffered their second straight defeat. Coach Jamie Joseph, a leading candidate for the next All Blacks role, lamented the failure to build on a solid start.
“The fact we’ve only won four times here in 30 years tells you something,” Joseph said. “It’s not just this year, last year, year before … the Highlanders have really struggled here.”
