Wallabies captain urges Reds to convert UK tour success into Super Rugby performance
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson cautions that Queensland Reds' UK successes must be reflected in their Super Rugby opener. Coach Les Kiss emphasizes a commitment to aggressive play.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has warned that the impressive form of the Queensland Reds during their United Kingdom tour "means nothing" unless it translates to their Super Rugby Pacific season opener.
The Reds enjoyed a thrilling 38-31 victory against Ulster in Belfast on Friday (Saturday AEST), showcasing their resilience by defending their line despite conceding three late penalties.
This comeback victory, which featured six tries to five, followed a decisive win against an understrength Bristol a week prior – marking their first UK visit in 35 years.
"We're really excited to earn two wins over here, but we know it means nothing come our first game at Suncorp Stadium," Wilson stated. "We're excited to see where we can go this year. It's very cool to wear the Queensland jersey on the world stage and it's not something many teams get to do."
Wilson, who scored and assisted captain Tate McDermott for a try in the first half, expressed enthusiasm for the team's bonding experience over the two-week tour, while acknowledging they were due for some time apart.
Tim Ryan scored two tries in quick succession, and fellow winger Heremaia Murray extended the Reds’ lead to 14 points in the final minutes. Although Stewart Moore's try brought Ulster closer, they were unable to breach the Reds' defence in the closing moments.
Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami stood out in the match, while Ryan’s second try, initiated from his own grubber kick, was a notable highlight. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips played a key role at No.10, pushing pressure onto fringe Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh, who had previously featured in a heavy victory against Bristol.
Co-captain and backrower Liam Wright, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, hopes to return for the first round against Moana Pasifika on February 21. Coach Les Kiss, after a promising first season that ended in a quarter-final defeat, urged fans to remain hopeful for a passionate team that fights for every inch and embraces an aggressive style of rugby.
