The Queensland Reds cycled 34 players through an upbeat first trial for the new season before being pipped 21-19 by the Western Force at Ballymore Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
New coach Les Kiss was encouraged by depth in key positions, exposure for young talent and the valuable lessons to work on before Super Rugby Pacific kicks off with a blockbuster against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on February 24.
The Reds were behind 13-0 before a 19-0 surge of scoring to take the lead in the trial played over three 30-minute periods for an enthusiastic crowd of more than 3000.
An Ian Prior penalty goal from in front in the closing minutes snatched the win for the Force after both sides had scored three tries.
A dart by Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott at the 26-minute mark from a Reds’ lineout win allowed flanker Fraser McReight to sweep quick ball to a charging Harry Wilson for the Reds’ first try.
On 38 minutes, young winger Tim Ryan gathered a bounce pass to dive over in front of XXXX Hill to close the scores to 13-12.
Halfback replacement Louis Werchon made the sharp move to set up the go-ahead try for 19-13 just before the hour mark. Backing up for the five-pointer was new recruit Joe Brial, the backrower who is the son of a Wallaby but joined the Reds after playing for Canterbury in New Zealand.
Entering the final third, Kiss was true to his pre-match promise that there would be opportunities for the squad’s youngsters to shine. The period started with halfback Werchon, 21, flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 19, and outside centre Frankie Goldsbrough, 18, in the backline.
“We had patches of cohesion and created clear space and chances. It’s good to be underway. The Force scored twice from turnovers so that breakdown area is one to work on,” Kiss said.
“Jordie (Petaia) and Jock (Campbell) had some excellent moments from fullback and both our inside centres (Hunter Paisami and Isaac Henry) played strongly through the game.
“At flyhalf, Lawson (Creighton) showed his strengths to set up play. Harry’s strength on his feet was obvious on several occasions.
“We’ll keep looking at the No.10 position at the Santos Festival of Rugby in Roma where we play the NSW Waratahs on Saturday.”
Queensland: Tries - Harry Wilson, Tim Ryan, Joe Brial; Conversions: Lawson Creighton, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. Western Force: Tries - Harry Potter 2, Ronan Leahy. Penalties: Ben Donaldson, Ian Prior
