Restocked Reds prepped for 'do or die' footy
Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals.
The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention.
Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week.
Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year.
A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders.
But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable.
"We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear.
"The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances.
"But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy."
Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week.
Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table.
That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season.
The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season.
"They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said.
Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals.
The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention.
Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week.
Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year.
A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders.
But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable.
"We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear.
"The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances.
"But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy."
Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week.
Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table.
That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season.
The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season.
"They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said.
Fraser McReight is confident his Queensland Reds are yet to hit top gear, dismissing their poor record against Super Rugby's best sides ahead of the finals.
The Reds host Fijian Drua in their final regular season game at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors winless away from home this season and out of top-six contention.
Queensland can finish as high as fourth, which would still mean a road trip to begin their finals series but increase their chances of a second life, as the highest-placed loser in the new-look format, should they stumble next week.
Fifth entering the final round, the Reds are yet to beat any of the sides sitting above them this year.
A tight loss to the Hurricanes last week followed a pair of narrow defeats to the ACT Brumbies, while they were also beaten in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Crusaders.
But McReight is adamant Queensland are capable.
"We can mix it with anyone," he said, adding the Reds could go up a gear.
"The last few weeks, we have had some up and down performances, had our chances.
"But we're getting some key members back and building for next week and do-or-die footy."
Test centre Josh Flook will be the latest reinforcement, back from a hamstring injury, after incumbent Test skipper Harry Wilson made an impressive return from a broken arm last week.
Halves pairing Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will also be hopeful of steering the Reds deep into the finals, with Test coach Joe Schmidt acknowledging that as an advantage at the selection table.
That continuity will reach new heights next year, with McDermott confirming on Friday he would not take up the option of a sabbatical to play overseas next season.
The Drua are winless away from home this year but remain dangerous, as the Reds are well aware after falling victim for a third time in Fiji earlier this season.
"They're a pretty dangerous side but in the weather … we have a great set piece game so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and it's too wet for us to also move the ball and have some fun with it," McReight said.
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Reds' romp soured by late injury to Wallabies star
A fresh injury to incumbent Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has soured a historic night for four-try Queensland Reds winger Lachie Anderson in a clinical finals tune-up against Fijian Drua. Wilson, as well as winger Tim Ryan (ankle) and replacement flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (HIA) were all late casualties in a 52-7 win on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium. Test flanker Wilson had returned from a fractured arm last week but coach Les Kiss believed this concern was a knock on his opposite wrist. All three will be monitored on Sunday and remain in the mix for Friday's sudden death quarter-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch. It was a tussle locked in before a ball was kicked on a soggy Saturday night in Brisbane, after other results had ensured the teams wouldn't budge from their second and fifth places respectively. "It does put a dampener on a couple of things," Kiss said. "It was pretty complete … for a game that really had no bearing on anything really it was us developing the type of game we're good at. "We just get on with the business." Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury. If Ryan is fit to play, Kiss will have a tough call to make on his backline, with red-hot Filipo Daugunu surely starting in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. "I played sevens with him, seen his journey and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger," Reds captain Tate McDermott said of Anderson. "A rock defensively and he's quick. "Hopefully he gets a bit of credit and let's get him some more tries next week." The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish. "We have a lot of faith in Tevs and Isoa Nasilasila as well," coach Glen Jackson said of the Drua pair first to the 50-game milestone. "They're the two guys who've shown week in, week out what it means to play for the Drua." A fresh injury to incumbent Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has soured a historic night for four-try Queensland Reds winger Lachie Anderson in a clinical finals tune-up against Fijian Drua. Wilson, as well as winger Tim Ryan (ankle) and replacement flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (HIA) were all late casualties in a 52-7 win on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium. Test flanker Wilson had returned from a fractured arm last week but coach Les Kiss believed this concern was a knock on his opposite wrist. All three will be monitored on Sunday and remain in the mix for Friday's sudden death quarter-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch. It was a tussle locked in before a ball was kicked on a soggy Saturday night in Brisbane, after other results had ensured the teams wouldn't budge from their second and fifth places respectively. "It does put a dampener on a couple of things," Kiss said. "It was pretty complete … for a game that really had no bearing on anything really it was us developing the type of game we're good at. "We just get on with the business." Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury. If Ryan is fit to play, Kiss will have a tough call to make on his backline, with red-hot Filipo Daugunu surely starting in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. "I played sevens with him, seen his journey and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger," Reds captain Tate McDermott said of Anderson. "A rock defensively and he's quick. "Hopefully he gets a bit of credit and let's get him some more tries next week." The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish. "We have a lot of faith in Tevs and Isoa Nasilasila as well," coach Glen Jackson said of the Drua pair first to the 50-game milestone. "They're the two guys who've shown week in, week out what it means to play for the Drua." A fresh injury to incumbent Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has soured a historic night for four-try Queensland Reds winger Lachie Anderson in a clinical finals tune-up against Fijian Drua. Wilson, as well as winger Tim Ryan (ankle) and replacement flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (HIA) were all late casualties in a 52-7 win on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium. Test flanker Wilson had returned from a fractured arm last week but coach Les Kiss believed this concern was a knock on his opposite wrist. All three will be monitored on Sunday and remain in the mix for Friday's sudden death quarter-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch. It was a tussle locked in before a ball was kicked on a soggy Saturday night in Brisbane, after other results had ensured the teams wouldn't budge from their second and fifth places respectively. "It does put a dampener on a couple of things," Kiss said. "It was pretty complete … for a game that really had no bearing on anything really it was us developing the type of game we're good at. "We just get on with the business." Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury. If Ryan is fit to play, Kiss will have a tough call to make on his backline, with red-hot Filipo Daugunu surely starting in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. "I played sevens with him, seen his journey and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger," Reds captain Tate McDermott said of Anderson. "A rock defensively and he's quick. "Hopefully he gets a bit of credit and let's get him some more tries next week." The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish. "We have a lot of faith in Tevs and Isoa Nasilasila as well," coach Glen Jackson said of the Drua pair first to the 50-game milestone. "They're the two guys who've shown week in, week out what it means to play for the Drua."
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Cherry-Evans makes Origin statement in big Manly win
Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game." Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game." Daly Cherry-Evans says he would still be grateful if his Queensland State of Origin career ended tomorrow, after making a statement in Manly's 34-6 win over Brisbane. Three days after Queensland's series-opening loss prompted questions over Cherry-Evans' position, the Maroons captain answered his critics at Brookvale. The Manly No.7 had a hand in all four of the Sea Eagles' first-half tries, in what was close to his best game in months. Lehi Hopoate was also superb filling in for Tom Trbojevic at fullback, while Haumole Olakau'atu scored a double to send Manly back into the top eight. The result consigned Brisbane to their sixth loss in seven games, with the Broncos in freefall and out of a finals-finishing position for the first time this year. But the story was Cherry-Evans, who has been subject to calls from the likes of Andrew Johns for him to be axed from Queensland's side in recent days. The 36-year-old was only cleared to play for Manly on Saturday morning, before being diplomatic on his Origin future after the match. "At the end of the day I have to try and keep it really simple. I play footy for a living. I am so grateful for the opportunity," Cherry-Evans said. "If it ended, I played 26 Origin games. I am very grateful for that. But I would love to be back there again. "I just love playing footy for this club and this team. We haven't found our best footy consistently yet. Tonight is a reminder that it's there." Cherry-Evans would not enter into debate about whether Saturday night's performance helped his cause to add to his 26 Origins in Perth on June 18. But it certainly can't have hurt, in what was one of his best performances since announcing in March he was leaving Manly at year's end. The half kicked in the lead-up to three tries, routinely booted Manly out of trouble, and had the Sea Eagles' right edge back playing with depth again. And it all came within hours of Tom Dearden starring for North Queensland, with the Cowboys No.7 considered the other option for the Maroons. Cherry-Evans laid on Manly's first try when he grubbered for Clayton Faulalo, and Jesse Arthars failed to dive on the loose ball in the in-goal. Faulalo's second try came when Cherry-Evans sent the ball right and Hopoate fired a perfect cut-out ball for the winger to go over. Nathan Brown was the next to benefit from Cherry-Evans' kicking game, with the big prop chasing down a grubber. And when Cherry-Evans toed one ahead for Hopoate and the fullback sent Olakau'atu over on halftime, it was 22-6. This was also close to Olakau'atu's best game since March, with a number of powerful runs to go with his passing game on the right edge. He had a second try late to seal the match, leaping up to take a Luke Brooks kick and dive over the line. Hopoate was the other star, setting the tone when he burst through a Payne Haas tackle in the opening set, before finishing the night with 228 metres. Haas was gallant for Brisbane three nights after being man of the match in Origin on a torn quad, but the spark is clearly missing from the Broncos attack. Ezra Mam had his moments, but he still made three errors and was booed by the Brookvale crowd with every touch of the ball. Arthars had limited impact at fullback, as did Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, with the Broncos a long way removed from the team that ran in 50 points in round one. "There were patches of what we can do and there are patches we need to improve on," coach Michael Maguire said. "It's straightforward. We will look at it and make sure we have long periods of what we want to do in our game."
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Red's historic four-try half dents Drua on finals eve
A historic four-try first half from winger Lachie Anderson ensured no hiccups for the Queensland Reds against the Fijian Drua in a soggy Super Rugby Pacific finals warm-up. Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds in a 52-5 Saturday win. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Anderson did his best to keep his starting berth for Friday's sudden death quarterfinal in Christchurch against the Crusaders, a match-up that had already been locked in before the fifth-placed Reds took the field on Saturday. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury, but the red-hot Filipo Daugunu will surely start in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. There were concerns for Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson though, who returned from a fractured arm last week but left the field later in the second half on Saturday seemingly in pain. The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish. A historic four-try first half from winger Lachie Anderson ensured no hiccups for the Queensland Reds against the Fijian Drua in a soggy Super Rugby Pacific finals warm-up. Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds in a 52-5 Saturday win. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Anderson did his best to keep his starting berth for Friday's sudden death quarterfinal in Christchurch against the Crusaders, a match-up that had already been locked in before the fifth-placed Reds took the field on Saturday. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury, but the red-hot Filipo Daugunu will surely start in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. There were concerns for Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson though, who returned from a fractured arm last week but left the field later in the second half on Saturday seemingly in pain. The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish. A historic four-try first half from winger Lachie Anderson ensured no hiccups for the Queensland Reds against the Fijian Drua in a soggy Super Rugby Pacific finals warm-up. Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds in a 52-5 Saturday win. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Anderson did his best to keep his starting berth for Friday's sudden death quarterfinal in Christchurch against the Crusaders, a match-up that had already been locked in before the fifth-placed Reds took the field on Saturday. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury, but the red-hot Filipo Daugunu will surely start in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. There were concerns for Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson though, who returned from a fractured arm last week but left the field later in the second half on Saturday seemingly in pain. The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish.
