The Queensland Reds are looking to formally announce themselves to the Rugby world as the premier Super Rugby side in Australia when they face the Brumbies on May 8 in the Super Rugby Final at Suncorp Stadium.
After falling short last year, Brad Thorn's men have been near-perfect all year as they dominated the competition.
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Ahead of the big game, Rugby.com.au has looked back at how they got to the finals, pinpointing the key moments and matches that defined their season.
THE MAFI MIRACLE
After a dominant win over the Waratahs, the Reds were looking to continue their strong start against the Rebels.
However, the Rebels were intent on turning the game into a grinding affair as Matt To’ouma kicked penalty goals at will.
With the Rebels in the box set for victory, up stepped Alex Mafi and the forward pack.
Mafi would score twice in the second half, including in the 76th minute to seal the comeback win.
THE GREAT ESCAPE (Pt 1)
With all the attention on the grand final rematch, the Reds were left stunned as the Brumbies raced out to an early lead.
In front of a vocal GIO Stadium, the Reds turned the game on his head in a 20-minute burst.
James O’Connor’s bold decision to go for a penalty with five minutes to go paid off as the Reds found a way through the Brumbies defence late, with Jordan Petaia putting a game through to Hunter Paisami for the win
THE STATEMENT GAME
Whilst many will point to the game against the Waratahs, their demolition of the Rebels in Round Seven was their real show of intent to the rest of the competition.
Back at home after nomically travelling across Australia for first four rounds of the comp, the Melbourne side were confident of putting a good performance together to reward their fans.
Unfortunately for the AAMI Park faithful, they ran into a juggernaut as the Reds ran riot across the park.
Three tries in the first 18 minutes, two to Taniela Tupou, set the tone as they ran out 44-19 winners.
THE GREAT ESCAPE (Pt2)
After a dominant showing against the Rebels, the Reds returned home for round two against the Brumbies.
The sequel lived up to the hype and followed the same script as part one, with the Brumbies racing out to an early lead.
However, the Reds’ never-say-die attitude shown thrown, with a Jordan Petaia leaping try and a JOC penalty sealing the win and the home final.
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THE STREAK IS OVER
With the home final locked up, the Reds travelled to the West to face the Force, with a WA lockdown looming on the horizon.
It looked like they’d race away with the game when Paisami and Taniela Tupou cruised over.
However, the Force had history on their mind and took the lead late thanks to a Jordan Olowfela hat-trick.
With the game on the line, the Reds turned down the chance to level it, opting for a scrum 5m out. This would backfire as the Force earned the turnover and the win, ending their unbeaten run.
REDS (1-15): Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor (c), Jock Campbell, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Bryce Hegarty
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu
INs: Jock Campbell, Dane Zander, Isaac Henry,
OUTs: Hunter Paisami, Richie Asiata, Ilaisa Droasese
It’s a rematch of the 2020 Super Rugby AU decider as the Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST. Click here to purchase tickets to one of the most anticipated Rugby matches of the year.
