The Reds' 63-28 flogging at the hands of the Sunwolves was exactly what they deserved, according to coach Brad Thorn.
Queensland were a shell of the side that beat the Lions a fortnight ago, meekly conceding seven tries to the previously winless Sunwolves.
It was a performance that Thorn could sense was coming from the outset, when halfback Ben Lucas had two box kicks charged down in the opening minute.
"For us, with a team where we are at - at the moment - I can tell usually pretty early where we are at," Thorn said post match.
"You saw not being able to exit, battling away with pretty basic skills - it wasn't looking sharp there.
"We got exactly what we deserved.
"There was a lot of basic footy out there, we got what we deserved and well done to the Sunwolves."
Thorn said his side was found wanting, mentally, fresh off their upset win over the Lions.
"We just weren't there mentally, in my opinion," Thorn said.
"We played the top team in the African conference two weeks ago and you saw the attitude and performance there.
"The performance you saw today was just worlds apart.
"The big thing with this club, this group, is that mental (part) - where we are, our mindset.
"It was a great day for footy out there so to dish that sort of performance up - it's pretty darn frustrating."
While clearly frustrated with the loss, Thorn made special mention of a Sunwolves side most pundits had written off.
"They came together in late January, they brought the players together and it's been a tough season for them but today they get a really good result," Thorn said.
"Hats off to Hayden Parker who scored 30 odd points.
"They played some really good, positive footy around the breakdown so well done to them."
While the Reds will lick their wounds as they fly back to Brisbane, an acid test against the Hurricanes in Wellington awaits.
