Queensland Crown Champions After Star’s Disastrous Tackle Results in Red Card in Super Rugby Pacific

This article first appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission

The Queensland Reds got off to a flying start, scoring two tries within the first 10 minutes, while the Blues faced a major setback when winger Mark Tele’a was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle during their match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday night, ultimately losing 35-21.

In the 31st minute, Tele’a was initially issued a yellow card for his tip tackle on Tim Ryan, which was subsequently upgraded to a red, forcing the Blues to play a man down for the final 10 minutes of the first half and the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

Despite being a man down, the defending champions did manage their only try during that period, with hooker Kurt Eklund diving over just before halftime. However, they struggled to maintain momentum even after returning to a full squad.

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The Blues, having fallen behind early on, pushed hard against the Reds but were repeatedly thwarted, finding themselves held up over the try line on multiple occasions.

Reds’ fly-half Tom Lynagh kicked off the scoring with two converted tries in the first eight minutes, setting his side up for a vital win that put them five points ahead of the fifth-placed Western Force, who were defeated by the table-topping Chiefs earlier in the day.

In the 53rd minute, Queensland halfback Tate McDermott sliced through the Blues’ defence from 30 metres out, extending the lead to more than a converted try.

Lachie Anderson then rounded off a clever play from a lineout at the hour mark, putting the Reds ahead by a commanding 21 points.

Blues’ replacement halfback Sam Nock managed to score in the dying minutes, but it was too late for Vern Cotter’s team, who have now dropped to ninth place on the ladder.

The Blues might even find themselves in tenth by the end of the weekend if Moana Pasifika secures a victory against the Fijian Drua at home on Saturday, and if the Highlanders are unable to lose by more than 10 points against the second-placed Crusaders that evening.

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The Reds sealed the match with a fifth try from Richie Asiata in the 70th minute, although Anton Segner later struck back for the Blues, scoring their third try and denying the home team a bonus point.

Nonetheless, the Reds have now secured victories over both the Blues and the Highlanders this season, while suffering defeats to the Chiefs and the Crusaders, with a home clash against the Hurricanes still scheduled for May 23.

The broader context

The Blues are facing an uphill battle in defending their title, as their chances of making the playoffs look increasingly slim.

They currently sit four points behind the sixth-placed Waratahs, with four fixtures left in the season.

This was the first time the Reds triumphed over the Blues since 2019.

What’s on the horizon

The Blues will face the Force at Eden Park next Friday, a match that could prove critical for their finals aspirations if they are to avoid further setbacks.