The Queensland Reds concluded a successful two-game tour of the United Kingdom with a 38-31 victory over Irish province Ulster in a high-quality, physical contest in Belfast.
A quickfire try double from winger Tim Ryan around the hour mark swung the contest in the Reds’ favour but it was a seesawing match throughout as neither side gave an inch.
Repelling a final Ulster assault on the tryline when the home side turned three straight penalties into an attacking lineout, a 5m scrum and a quick tap was a huge vote for the character and resilience of the Reds.
It was just the quality of hitout that the Reds wanted ahead of their major priority...a strong performance against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific opener at Suncorp Stadium on February 21.
The brass band at Ravenhill kept the masses entertained in 4-degree conditions whenever there was a stoppage in play on Friday night (Saturday morning AEST). They even added Waltzing Matilda to their repertoire in one of world Rugby’s most iconic stadiums as Ulster celebrated 100 years of rugby at Ravenhill Stadium.
Centre Hunter Paisami was terrific against a big, strong Ulster side, defending with starch and carrying with intent.
“It was good to come up against a quality team, big men who gave it to us all game,” Paisami said. “Our game management was crucial to allow us to play our game, which has been a big focus for us this pre-season.
“Knowing that we are coming up against another really physical team in Moana next, tonight was the ideal preparation for that challenge. They really tested our physicality, and we will learn plenty from this.”
No.8 Harry Wilson was pleased but also wanted to put the win into context.
“We’re really excited to earn two wins over here, but we know it means nothing come our first game at Suncorp Stadium. We’re excited to see where we can go this year," Wilson said.
“It’s very cool to wear the Queensland jersey on the world stage and it’s not something many teams get to do. All of the Wallabies boys who returned to pre-season were just so excited to get back in the Queensland group and rip in, and touring this time of the year has been awesome for our connection.
"We’ve been in each other’s pockets for two weeks and while we’re probably due for a bit of time back home away from each other, it’s been such a special tour for us.”
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss had a special message for the Reds fans who got up early in Brisbane to watch the livestream of the game and who came out in such strong numbers last year to support the team to make Suncorp Stadium a challenging place for all opposition teams to visit.
“We improved our crowds by 30 per cent last year and we need that support this year. The guys relish the fact that they play in front of a special home crowd and the more there for Moana, the better," Kiss said.
“They will see a team that will fight for every inch, and they will see a team that works hard and tries to play the most aggressive style of attacking Rugby that we can. It will be nice to be home, for sure.”
Hooker Matt Faessler opened the scoring from a lineout drive before celebrated Irish Test winger Jacob Stockdale hit back.
Lock Ryan Smith securing a turnover in the middle of the field was critical in the lead up to the Reds next score with Harry Wilson profiting minutes later. Again, Ulster hit straight back through plucky scrumhalf Conor McKee.
His opposite number scored the final try of the half with Reds captain Tate McDermott scoring under the posts as he sprinted clear on the 3G (artificial) turf.
Ulster rallied from 19-14 down at half-time to lead 24-19 at the 50-minute mark. The Reds rose under pressure.
At the 57-minute mark, winger Heremaia Murray carried strongly into the Ulster half, fended his way clear and lobbing a clever offload inside to fellow winger Ryan in support. The Reds were back in front 26-24 with replacement flyhalf Tom Lynagh's sideline conversion.
As the game opened up, Ryan had his second try just two minutes later from loose play, initially grubbering a kick behind the Ulster defence and benefiting to be the final recipient of a pass from Jock Campbell.
Murray scored next, extending the lead to 14 points, after Smith was stopped close to the line.
A nail-biting finish was always looking possible and when Ulster replacement Stewart Moore scored with less than ten minutes to go it was clear this game was going the distance.
The Reds defence dug deep, repelling Ulster time and time again on the try-line, and withstanding numerous penalty calls to successfully repel both lineouts and scrums from in close.
Ulster were a formidable opponent and as the full-time siren sounded, all in attendance reflected on a memorable contest befitting the occasion.
Focus is now purely on the Queensland Reds’ first Super Rugby Pacific match of the 2025 season. After a Round One bye, the Reds host Moana Pasifika on Friday, February 21.
Queensland Reds memberships have already surpassed 2024 levels – buy yours here to Run Red with us in 2025. A big home crowd will certainly go a long way to giving us an edge. Individual game tickets are on sale here.
Tries: Faessler (8), Wilson (24), McDermott (36), Ryan (59, 61), Murray (68) Cons: McLaughlin-Phillips 2/3, Lynagh 2/3
Beat
Tries: Stockdale (19), McKee (25), Hume (46), Lowry (51), Moore (71) Cons: Morgan 2/4, Humphreys
Queensland Reds: 1. Sef Fa’agase, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Massimo de Lutiis, 4. Ryan Smith 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Connor Vest, 7. Fraser McReight (VC), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott (C), 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Heremaia Murray, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Filipo Daugunu, 14. Tim Ryan, 15. Jock Campbell. Reserves: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. George Blake, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20. John Bryant, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Tom Lynagh, 23. Mason Gordon.
Ulster: 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Alan O’Connor (C), 5. Matthew Dalton, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Lorcan McLoughlin, 8. David McCann, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Aidan Morgan, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Zac Ward, 15. Jake Flannery. Reserves: James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Tom Brigg, David Shanahan, James Humphreys, Whillhelm De Klerk, Jacob Boyd, Reuben Crothers, Michael Lowry, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Stewart Moore, Michael McDonald, Kieran Tredwell.
