It was a game built on chaos, but the Queensland Reds rode the storm for a crucial 31-26 win over the Crusaders.
Filipo Daugunu's effort helped the Reds keep in touch with the top four as they head into the bye with their tails up.
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So what did we learn?
The Queensland Reds harnessed the energy of the present 2011 Super Rugby winning side to down the Crusaders and end their losing drought against the defending champions.
Les Kiss’ side left plenty of points out there, with at least three tries gone begging, but did enough in the clutch moments.
Their star players stepped up when needed, with captain Fraser McReight’s turnover with four minutes left enormous. Meanwhile, the impact of Louis Werchon and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips was massive, each coming up with big moments that ended in points.
But for a team coming off back-to-back losses, it’s the type of win needed to steady a season before a much-needed bye.
Filipo Daugunu refused to lose in his 100th and willed the Reds home, the best on the park.
Daugunu is an energiser bunny and was everywhere in the win, whether it was bone-crunching hits or electric breaks.
It was fitting the winger found his way over to break the deadlock, making a reputation for himself after similar efforts last year against the Western Force.
He ran for close to 120 metres, broke three tackles and came up with a big turnover.
Carter Gordon’s luckless run continues after the flyhalf limped off in the second half with a knee injury.
It was an awkward tackle that saw Gordon on crunches and in a knee brace, coming off just after the break. The playmaker looked back at full pace, outsprinting some serious flyers to win the race to Harry Wilson’s snap kick.
The return of Tom Lynagh will help soften the blow, expected back after the bye.
But it’s concerning for Wallaby fans after Gordon missed most of the Spring Tour and has featured just five times in 2026.
Harry Wilson must’ve picked up some tips on the Rivals set because his snap kick for Carter Gordon’s try would’ve made Scott Pendlebury proud.
It was a moment that summed up a frantic first half as Wilson put the ball on the toe after the teams traded intercepts.
Wilson has built a quality resume as one of the better forward kickers. If used properly, it’s a massive asset to any team to have a back-rower so comfortable with playing eyes-up footy and backing his boot.
The Crusaders find themselves in no-man’s land with a really dangerous fortnight ahead in the grand scheme of their title defence.
They felt the absence of their key All Blacks, missing the polish and calmness to find a way home late in the game.
A trip to Perth awaits against a Force side fighting for its season, while there will be plenty of pressure to perform against the NSW Waratahs to open the new stadium as part of Super Round.
A slip up either game invites the Waratahs and Highlanders into the finals conversation, with Rob Penney’s side still to play the Hurricanes twice, the Chiefs and Blues.
The late bonus point they got tonight could decide their season.
