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The Queensland Reds’ finals hopes have taken a hit after Beauden Barrett inspired the Blues to a 45-26 victory in Brisbane.
A Sef Fa’agase try on the stroke of half time saw Brad Thorn’s side go into the sheds trailing 17-15, but two converted tries to last year’s runners-up saw the Blues seize the momentum and eventually seal a convincing win.
After last week’s marvellous drought-breaking victory over the Chiefs across the ditch, Friday night’s defeat was a momentum killer.
Not only did it leave them precariously in sixth spot with two difficult away fixtures to follow, it meant that Thorn didn’t get the fairytale finish at Suncorp Stadium he craved.
While they remain six points clear of ninth, Liam Wright’s men will likely have to win one of their next two matches to reach the finals.
It sets up next week’s clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin as a must-watch match, with Aaron Smith’s side hoping to close the margin on the standings when they take on the Rebels at home on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s going to test the heart of our squad,” Wright said.
“Some of those away trips I think we bond really well together, we get to knuckle down on our game plan and get to fight for each other and Queensland, and we’re going to put it all out there for the next two weeks.”
Despite the Blues leaving behind a number of their All Blacks, including Finlay Christie and Rieko Ioane, the Reds were largely on the backfoot all night.
While the Blues only held a two-point lead at half-time, they controlled much of the match with their big men continually getting over the gain line and Mark Telea an ever-present threat out wide.
Barrett was instrumental in their first-half ascendency.
The All Blacks star took the ball to the line and made the home side pay. In contrast, the Reds’ key players Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight couldn’t get into the match, while James O’Connor’s absence was telling.
Despite copping an early hit, Barrett banged over a penalty from the Reds’ 10m line to score the opening points.
Beauden Barrett scored a crucial first half try against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, on May 19, 2023, in Brisbane. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Midway through the half, Barrett’s class was on display as he put Cameron Suafoa through a hole and the big lock found Zarn Sullivan to score the first try.
The Reds responded quickly, as Josh Flook took advantage of an overlap after a ripped ball saw the Blues exposed out wide.
But Barrett hit back quickly for the Blues, as Suliasi Vunivalu was beaten in the air from the kick restart to allow the visitors to wrestle back the momentum.
Back to back penalties however allowed the Reds some crucial field position at the end of the first half.
With a new front-row, Fa’agase barged over from close range to once again vindicate Thorn’s tactical changes.
The Reds looked like they would take the early ascendency in the second half, but a turnover on the Blues’ line allowed Talea the chance to counter.
It led to the All Blacks winger running 60m before dropping the ball on the toe for Barrett to run onto.
While the nippy fly-half was just beaten by Filipo Daugunu, the Reds took the ball into their own goal line and were forced to defend a five-metre scrum.
Nor did Barrett’s departure hurt the visitors, as Patrick Tuipuloto took matters into his own hand and barged his way over.
His try was a hammer blow for the Reds, who minutes early sniffed a try themselves.
Replacement back Jacob Ratumaitauki-Kneepkens’ try after 61 minutes saw the Blues kick further ahead.
Harry Wilson’s burst to the line saw the Reds give themselves a late sniff as the replacement back-rower barged over from close range after 70 minutes.
But Talea’s subline try two minutes later snuffed out any chance of a late comeback.
While Jock Campbell finished spectacularly in the 78th minute to add some respectability to the scoreboard, his blunder on his own line seconds later, where he dropped the ball cold near his line, allowed the Blues to finish the match on a high.
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