A positive 40-minute return by Tom Lynagh was among the high points for the Queensland Reds when they were forced to absorb a last-gasp loss today at Ballymore Stadium.
The Reds led 28-12 at the 43-minute mark before the Western Force came over the top to win 29-28 in the opening round of Swyftx Super Rugby AUS.
Flyhalf Lynagh directed play with polish in the first half, two of his pinpoint high kick-offs were regained by the Reds and he got involved physically.
It was an encouraging comeback for Lynagh and more is to come with next Saturday’s clash against the NSW Waratahs in Roma at the Santos Festival of Rugby in Round Two of the competition.
“It was a great feeling to get back out there. It’s been a tough 12 months only managing to play 18 minutes,” Lynagh said.
“There has been a lot work done by the medical staff and physio team and trust put into me. It’s a good feeling but you want to be winning at the end of the day.
“To be honest, I didn’t have a lot of expectations coming into the game. I didn’t want to overplay my hand, just do my role and be physical.
“I’ve been feeling really good the last few weeks (at training) and just wanted to feel good out there. I feel like I did.
“I’m looking forward to heading up to Roma for the Festival of Rugby against the Tahs. It’s always a good encounter.”
A leg injury to Wallaby centre Josh Flook early in the game and the exit of skipper Lachie Anderson after a head clash cost the Reds two of their most experienced backs inside the opening 30 minutes.
The Reds opened the scoring after seven minutes with a Tom Robinson surge over the line and led 14-5 when rookie centre Josh Takai finished off after an explosive pick-and-go from prop George Blake.
The Reds’ dash on turnover attack was evident just before and just after half-time.
When a misdirected long lineout throw was gobbled up by hooker Matt Faessler, he instantly fed winger Tim Ryan who dashed over from 60m out.
Straight after half-time, a loose Force pass was swooped on by Ryan who linked with Wallaby fullback Jock Campbell, who scooted in from 45m.
The Reds used the full 10-man bench allowed in the non-cap Super Rugby AUS tournament.
The Force came back strongly in the second half and a rolling maul try off a lineout to replacement hooker Albert Alcock after the bell closed the scores to 28-27.
In his first game for the Force, productive flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips potted the angled conversion for the win over his former club.
Australia Under-20s inside centre Takai had a strong game for the Reds in his first hitout at this level.
Flankers John Bryant and Robinson were industrious, the ever-dangerous Ryan was involved in three tries and Campbell looked as sharp as ever.
The pressure applied by the advancing Reds defence forced several turnovers as another positive.
“This is a development program. Our players put a lot of effort in. If you just look at the result, you’d be disappointed with it but there was some really good stuff content-wise within the game,” Vern Cotter said after his first match as Reds Head Coach.
“We’ve just got to be more consistent in what we are trying to achieve and in some decision-makiing. That’s normal in a first game. The Force played very well.
“Defensively, I thought there was a shift there.
“Tommy had a good 40 minutes. Very pleased for him.”
The Reds head to Roma this week for the Santos Festival of Rugby which offers a full program of rugby on Saturday with men’s and women’s games against the Waratahs plus rugby sevens, U19s and some Vintage Reds fun.
WESTERN FORCE 29
Tries: Nathan Hastie 2, Albert Alcock, Setaleki Baker, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Conversions: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips 2
Defeated
QUEENSLAND REDS 28
Tries: Tom Robinson, Josh Takai, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
Conversions: Tom Lynagh 3, Ben Volavola
Half-time: Reds 21-Force 12
Venue: Ballymore Stadium
Crowd: 1567
