Queensland Reds stand-in captain Harry Wilson has joked he'll happily retire from Reds captaincy duty after their impressive win over the Highlanders.
It was the Reds' first win in Dunedin in over a decade. They overcame a half-time deficit to secure a 29-23 win.
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What made the win even more impressive was the talent on the sidelines, with Wallabies Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, and Liam Wright, amongst several others, sitting out the game.
We do want to be a side that rewrites those history books," Wilson said.
"I'll happily retire (as Reds captain) with one-from-one.
"I love being led by Tate (McDermott), Liam (Wright) and Fraser (McReight) and I'll be back to my normal role next week."
The Reds' bench proved the difference, especially Wallaby and All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman.
Hodgman delivered a demolition job of the Highlanders' scrum as Les Kiss' side ground their way home.
There were five scrum penalties in the second half, with Kiss proud of the full squad effort.
"The guys coming in off the bench made a real difference as they have every game," he notes.
"We got to see the first of Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) this season and his experienced voice was important. Joe Brial, Massimo De Lutiis, George Blake, Alex Hodgman and so on gave us a lift.
"We stretched into our depth, but we know we have players who step up and are ready to (do so)."
The win cements the Reds into the top two as they return to Queensland to face the Western Force.
