The Reds suffered an agonising loss to the Chiefs, just failing to get across the line despite hammering the Kiwi side's line in the final stages.
Here's what we're talking about after the Queenslanders' loss.
1. The Reds' finals drought will extend for another year
While they were talking up their mathematical chances ahead of the game against the Chiefs, the Reds were already at long odds to make the finals after losses to conference rivals the Waratahs and Rebels in the previous fortnight. And the final nail in their post-season coffin came in the loss to the Chiefs regardless of any equation that could allow them to make a late charge up the ladder.
As in their matches against NSW and Melbourne, the Reds had their chances. They are not a poor team. But that's just what will make the disappointment so much greater for the Reds.
At their best, they are capable of challenging any team in the competition but they still have too many simple errors in their game to be a constant threat. For all their strong play - and there was plenty of it as the Reds controlled the ball for more than 15 phases on several occasions - the Reds season has come down to moments, and they were again unable to win the key ones to secure the match.
2. Kerevi means so much to Queensland
Kerevi was not the only man missing for the Reds, with centre partner Chris Feauai-Sautia (knee) also out, robbing Queensland of their power running that has been such a feature this season, while
JP Smith and Caleb Timu were out following concussions against the Waratahs. It left the Reds with a massive task against the Chiefs but also exposed their reliance on Kerevi and his ability to generate chances through his constant linebreaks and offloads.
With an already inexperienced backline due to injuries to Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaia, Filipo Daugunu and Jack Hardy and Isaac Lucas's absence with the Junior Wallabies, the Reds played to their strength in the forwards and almost stole the match. But the absence of Kerevi for the first time this season shows what a loss he will be if, as expected, he heads to Japan after the World Cup.
3. Reds should maintain their pack mentality
Queensland entered the season believing their forwards could be a potent weapon but they have been a liability as many times this season. Against the Chiefs though, they put together their most consistent performance yet despite playing too narrow at times and not getti
ng the return they craved.
Even with Scott Higginbotham and Caleb Timu heading overseas next season, the Reds have plenty to look forward to in a young pack that carries an incredible bond. Every member of Friday's starting side came through Queensland's U20 system and continue to bloom under the tutelage of former All Black Brad Thorn and scrum coach Cameron Lillicrap.
The passion the likes of Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Liam Wright show in playing for Queensland should only be a bonus in the future.
4. Queensland facing a front-row crisis
Harry Hoopert thankfully pulled up with just a stiff neck after being taken from the ground on a medicab after getting his head in an awkward position when making a tackle. But he would be at long odds to line up against the Jaguares next Saturday.
It leaves the Reds skinny in the front-row, with JP Smith having been unavailable for the Chiefs game due to concussion and Feao Fotuaika only making his Super Rugby comeback off the bench following a broken thumb. Thankfully, it's unlikely to be a long-term problem, despite there being a few nervous minutes when the game was stopped to allow Hoopert to receive treatment.
It was also a nervous wait for his parents, who had travelled from their property at Jondaryan on the Darling Downs, to watch Hoopert play on Friday night.
5. Reds fitness paying dividends
The Reds have plenty of room for improvement but one thing that has not let them down this season is their fitness. Brad Thorn wanted his players fit enough to play a pacy, mobile brand of footy for 80 minutes and the workrate of his players against the Chiefs showed they understand the level needed.
Starting backrowers Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young and Liam Wright had 49 carries between them for an impressive 97m as they charged forward tirelessly. Salakaia-Loto, in particular was outstanding and did his World Cup hopes no harm - although he will be haunted by a missed tackle on Pita Sowakula as the Chiefs no.8 charged over for the home side's opening try.
