No one predicted the historic victory it would be, although Queensland went into the first Reds-Waratahs clash of the season as slight favourites after heavy wins over New England and Sydney sides at Ballymore earlier in May, 1976.
Waratah flanker Charlie Onus quickly opened the scoring in front of 8,000 spectators at Ballymore, causing Geoff Shaw, then in a New South Wales jersey, to confidently tell the Reds it was going to be "one of those days."
Queensland's most prolific coach, Bob Templeton, had returned to his position from a 4-year hiatus, emphatically stamping his renewed authority on the inter-state rivalry.
"I came back to prove to those bastards down south that I could coach and I think we did fairly well." (Bob Templeton)
Queensland responded to Geoff Shaw's quip with six tries, three conversions and four penalties - all without conceding another point.
David Dunworth, Greg Maloney, Bill Ross, and Paddy Patch (twice) crossed for tries, adding to Paul McLean's personal haul of 22-points, to sink the previously confident Waratahs 42-4, and ignite an era of unprecedented success for Queensland Rugby.
The legacy of the watershed moment was clear throughout the rest of the 1970s and much of the 1980s when Queensland came to be considered the greatest provincial side in the world.
Members of Queensland Match No. 401 reunited at The Alliance Hotel in 2016 to celebrate 40-years since the win that continues to define Queensland Rugby's immense capability.
QRU Match No. 401 Reunion at the Alliance Hotel in 2016
QUEENSLAND TEAM THAT FACED NEW SOUTH WALES - MAY 29, 1976
Jersey No.
QRU No.
Name
1 833 David Dunworth
2 901 William 'Bill' Ross
3 843 Stanilaus 'Stan' Pilecki
4 899 Peter 'Spider' McLean
5 891 David Hillhouse
6 900 James Miller
7 874 Anthony 'Tony' Shaw
8 873 Mark Loane
9 878 Rodney Hauser
10 875 Paul McLean
11 887 Jeff Weeks
12 880 Gregory Shambrook
13 897 Andrew Slack
14 858 Patrick 'Paddy' Batch
15 893 Graham Noon
Reserve 856 Dugald Clark
Reserve 898 Greg Moloney
Back to Collection--- Make sure you're there at Suncorp Stadium on April 21 for the St.George Queensland Reds' clash against the Chiefs in Queensland Rugby's 1000th capped match.
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