The Blues won the 'battle of the primary colours' as they outclassed the Reds 45-26 at Suncorp Stadium.
They put their disappointing defeat to the Crusaders behind them as they keep their top-four hopes alive.
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As for the Reds, it was a reality check after their heroic win over the Chiefs, needing to get it done on the road if they want to be playing finals
So what did we learn
1 MAGIC MARK
The Blues can thank a pair of brilliant plays from Mark Telea for their crucial win over the Reds.
Telea’s burst from his own line flipped momentum to start the second half, running from his own in-goal before a perfect kick won a 5m scrum. Minutes later, captain Patrick Tuipulotu barged over and completed what felt like a 14-point swing
When Harry Wilson gave the Reds a chance late, Telea was there to back up Bryce Heem and put the result out of the question.
His presence in their push for the top four will be even more vital after AJ Lam succumbed to an ankle injury.
2. ROAD WARRIORS
The Queensland Reds must back up their efforts against the Chiefs if they wish to give Brad Thorn one last run at the finals.
Thorn’s final home game ended on a flat note, with the coach labelling some of their mistakes as 'embarrassing' after the game.
Five wins aren't going to be enough to make top eight, leaving them to become fans of their fellow Australian sides before facing fellow finals hopefuls Highlanders and Drua
It leaves them in the awkward position of needing to win either in Dunedin or Fiji, two of the more challenging road trips in Super Rugby.
The Reds will be hoping James O’Connor brushes off his concussion concerns whilst the return of Hunter Paisami will be crucial in solidifying their defence.
3. BLOODY BARRETT
New Zealand and Blues fans will be sweating on the fitness of Beauden Barrett after he limped off the field.
Barrett did his best Curt Schilling impression as he hobbled off just after the break with a bloodied sock.
It’s a real shame because the Kiwi flyhalf was at his brilliant best to start the game, toying with the Reds.
Barrett picked apart the Reds' rush defence and exposed a youthful 10-12-13 combination in defence.
He showed courage to take the ball to the line to put Cam Sufota over to set up the first try whilst backing up Telea for their second.
Barrett is essential to the Blues’ hopes of back-to-back finals and they will be hoping he can back it up for next week’s crucial clash against brother Jordie and the Hurricanes.
4. THE MODERN GAME
The nature of the game in 2023 is labels such as ‘reserve’ and bench’ players are out of date, with Brad Thorn providing the perfect example.
Two weeks in a row, Thorn has pulled multiple front-rowers off the field tactically, allowing Matt Faessler to add a real impact before the break whilst still playing a similar amount of minutes as he was starting.
Only a yellow card stopped Harry Wilson from playing every minute to start the year but Thorn opted to hold back his red headgear-wearing star until the 50th minute and was rewarded with a late try.
Thorn will have to find the balance with his stars and will be looking for a better start so they’re not chasing a significant deficit late in the game.
5. A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PILFER
Fraser McReight showed off the value of the rare attacking steal as he continues his strong form for the Reds.
With Filipo Daugunu trapped in the air by three Blues defenders, McReight showed the smarts to steal the ball from his teammate, allowing Liam Wright to find Josh Flook for the crucial try.
McReight was at his typical busy best over the ball and his clutch pilfer early in the game kept them in the contest early.
He was joined in kind by co-captain Wright, whose turnover allowed the hosts to launch one last raid before the first-half break, eventually getting over the line via Sea Fa’aagse.
