The Queensland Reds have opened their 2023 pre-season campaign in comprehensive fashion, securing a 45-10 win over the Western Force in Perth.
In oppressive heat, Queensland scored six tries to two, with Harry Wilson and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips both scoring doubles.
Isaac Henry was strong in the midfield, while co-captain Liam Wright also impressed in the backrow, with the match split into three 30-minute sectors.
Wilson opened the scoring for the Reds, Josh Flook sending the Wallaby backrower over the line with a neat inside ball after Fraser McReight broke the defence 30-metres out from the try line. Henry made no mistake with the conversion to open up a 7-nil lead in the 12th minute.
A Henry penalty soon extended Queensland’s advantage to 10, as both sides struggled to hold onto the ball in 37-degree heat.
The Force had their first of the afternoon through winger Zach Kibirige, who dotted down in the corner to finish an exciting counterattacking try and bring the scores to 10-5 at the first break.
Wilson had his second in the 41st minute, the number-eight hitting and spinning out of a tackle from close range to score. Henry added his second conversion to bring the scores to 17-5.
Ryan Smith crossed for Queensland’s third close to the 60-minute mark, the lock bulldozing his way over the line after receiving a Wilson short ball as the Reds began to dominate proceedings in Perth. Tom Lynagh slotted his first conversion of the day to give the visitors a 24-5 lead with half-an-hour to play.
Kalani Thomas scored early in the final third of play, the scrumhalf collecting the ball slicing through the Force’s lineout defence and streaking 20-metres to score. Lynagh again converted to make the scores 31-5.
The home side scored their second through Campbell Parata, before a late double to Harry McLaughlin-Phillips saw Queensland run out 45-10 winners.
The Souths youngster dove over out wide courtesy of a Hunter Paisami long ball for his first try, before showing his class to score his side’s sixth and final try soon after.
Playing on the wing, McLaughlin-Phillips miraculously kept a Force clearing kick in play, before recollecting the ball from his inside man and dashing 50-metres to score in the corner. Lynagh converted both scores from the lefthand touchline, giving Queensland a 35-point win.
The Reds travel to Narrabri next weekend to take on the New South Wales Waratahs in the Santos Festival of Rugby. Tickets available via https://bit.ly/3DHmYWq.
