The Grand Final-bound Western Force have been beaten 47-22 by a free-flowing Queensland Reds side in the final round-robin game of the Super Rugby AUS season on Sunday.
The Force were already locked in for a home decider against the NSW Waratahs on Sunday 5 October at Wanneroo Rugby Club, but wanted to take winning form into the Grand Final.
But the Reds, who were out of final contention, proved too good with a fluent display where they scored seven tries to four to earn a bonus point.
In windy conditions at Tompkins Park, the Reds led 28-10 at the break and held the Force at bay in the second half despite the hosts threatening to rally.
The Force had their chances but couldn’t capitalise against a strong Reds defence. Queensland, meanwhile, regularly found gaps to push their attack and troubled the Force’s lineout.
Ben Donaldson produced some magic in attack, scoring one try and setting up another. Newcomer Henry Palmer showcased his blistering speed with a try in his maiden start in Force blue. Max Burey and George Poolman scored the other Force tries.
The Force weren't helped by the early loss of hooker Wes Thomas, who was a late inclusion for Albert Alcock (knock), due to a laceration to his leg.
The Reds built early pressure with Kalani Thomas’ break only for the Force to scramble in defence well through Will Harris, Poolman and Palmer.
The Force took the lead in the 11th minute when the in-form Burey crossed in the left corner after fly-half Ben Donaldson’s cut-out pass.
Queensland replied with 28 unanswered points started by a Vaiuta Latu try after Matt Faessler’s tap and go. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips added the extras for a 7-5 lead.
The Reds pulled further ahead when Xavier Rubens burst clear and dotted down the left edge, before Thomas spotted a gap and laid off for front-rower Jeffery Toomaga-Allen to score.
On the half hour it was four for the Reds, when Dre Pakebo released Rubens who found a hole and raced to the try line to score for 28-5.
The Force replied through speedster Henry Palmer, who was put into space on the right edge by fellow winger Mac Grealy.
After half-time, the Reds continued to press for more points, with Ben Donaldson bundling Pakeho out on the left edge, before Queensland scored through Latu again from close range.
The in-form Burey exited the game holding his left wrist, before the hosts scored with Ben Donaldson releasing midfielder Poolman to break through and dot for a five-pointer to make it 35-15 with 25 minutes to go
The Reds had all the answers, though, replying again with winger Will Cartwright in the left corner.
Titi Nofoagatotoa produced a big steal, before the Force moved forward, with Donaldson coming up with a trademark run for a converted try to cut the margin to 18 points.
Reds reserve scrum-half James Martens added another, with Nofoagatatoa binned as part of that action.
Western Force 22
Tries: Burey (11’), Palmer (36’), Poolman (54’), Donaldson (64’)
Conversions: Donaldson 1/4
Penalties: Nil
Queensland Reds 47
Tries: Latu 2x (19’, 48’), Rubens 2x (22’, 31’), Toomaga-Allen (26’), Cartwright (58’), Martens (66’)
Conversions: McLaughlin-Phillips 6/7
Penalties: Nil
@ Tompkins Park
