The Queensland Reds have opened their 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a 23-5 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.
The men in maroon delivered in slippery conditions at their home ground, providing James O’Connor with a hard-fought win in his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
Tonight’s season opener marked not only a milestone in O’Connor’s career, but also the start of young playmaker Lawson Creighton’s. The Brothers utility back earned his first Super Rugby cap, becoming Queensland player #1366.
Tate McDermott and Liam Wright also successfully co-captained their first Super Rugby Pacific match in front of a 14,168 in wet conditions in Brisbane.
Prop Taniela Tupou was first to draw blood, barging over Rebels scrumhalf Joe Powell to score in the 15th minute. His strike rate now sits at 22 five-pointers from 79 Super Rugby games.
O’Connor’s finest moment of the night came in the 48th minute when he caught a pass on his bootlaces and started the momentum for a freakish try to number-eight Harry Wilson. Wilson's arm was at full stretch when he planted the ball one-handed on the line, making it 18-5 after 49 minutes.
Centre Josh Flook put the icing on the cake for the Reds with a sublime cross-field kick which sat up perfectly for Jock Campbell. The fullback strolled over in the 80th minute to reward the fans who had braved the wet with the Reds’ first win of the season.
Queensland are away in Rounds 2 and 3 against the Waratahs and Force, before returning home to host the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, March 12. Tickets available via reds.rugby.
Queensland Reds 23
Tries: Tupou, Wilson, Campbell
Conversions: O’Connor
Penalties: O’Connor 2
Melbourne Rebels
Tries: Wilkin
