The Hurricanes have overtaken Queensland on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after clinching a 31-27 thriller at Suncorp Stadium.
The visitors took a 26-13 lead into the break before the Reds launched a comeback off the back of an inspirational performance from Tate McDermott.
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McDermott crossed for his second and was followed over by Joe Brial to give the hosts the lead.
However, it was the Hurricanes' night, with Fatafehi Fineanganofo's second try of the night proving the difference as they held on late.
It was a frantic start as both teams’ star halves traded tries in the first five minutes.
Ruben Love got a perfect bounce from Callum Harkin’s kick for a try inside 90 seconds, only for McDermott to snip and score for the leveller.
The Reds then did something they haven’t all year and kicked a penalty goal, their first in close to 1000 minutes of action in Super Rugby in 2025.
The battle of the breakdown threats took over the game as Fraser McReight and Du’Plessis Kirifi went turnover for turnover,
Billy Proctor set the Hurricanes up for a late first-half lead when he broke the line and drew the covering defence for Fehi Fineanganofo to score an easy try.
Having nailed his first one of the year, Lynagh made it two from two penalties to give the Reds the lead but the lead was short lived after a Reds mistake gifted a try to Cam Roigard.
It gave the visitors all the momentum, and Billy Proctor spun his way over for a 26-13 lead at the break.
McDermott got the Reds off to a flying second half start after Jock Campbell sliced through the defence, drawing the defence for his second.
It sparked the hosts and back-rower Joe Brial delivered a brutal run to give them the lead, sparking the Suncorp Stadium faithful.
Brian charged through the line after 20 phases of attack, breaking three tackles and touching down for the five-pointer.
McDermott continued to piece apart the Hurricanes, nearly crossing for a hat-trick, but the Hurricanes took the lead back with a special try.
Proctor had another brilliant break as the Hurricanes spread it wide, with Fineanganofo delivering an excellent finish in the corner for the second.
Kirifi came up with some big turnovers to allow the visitors to control the last ten minutes.
The Reds hunted for the turnover but didn’t get a chance to launch one final attack as the Hurricanes go into fourth position and secure their finals spot.
‘We’re really disappointed with the result. We played heaps of good footy but went to sleep for 10 minutes before half time … and couldn’t get back into it," McDermott said post-match.
“The forward pack’s been massive for us all year. The Forwards are the heartbeat of the club at the moment and playing out of their skin – we’ve just got to give them a little bit more.
"Coming towards the pointy end, destiny’s out of our hands at the moment. We’ll see what happens next week and we’ve got a huge game against the Drua on Saturday."
Hurricanes 31 (Fineanganofo 2, Love, Proctor, Roigard tries; Love 3 cons) def Queensland Reds 27 (McDermott 2, Brial tries; Lynagh 3 cons; Lynagh 2 pens)
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Paheko, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallgher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor (co-c), Daniel Sinkinson, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: Brett Cronan
