Reds 'don't know how to quit'
The Reds fell agonisingly short of stealing a win over the Stormers at their home ground at Newlands Stadium.
Trailing 0-18 late in the first half, the Reds clawed their way back in the second stanza, closing the gap to 19-25 through a try to wing Filipo Daugunu in the 79th minute.
They then had the chance to win the match with a penalty setting up a line-out five metres from the Stormers' line minutes after the full-time siren had sounded. The Reds set up a maul from the line-out, but it went to ground and the referee ruled it unplayable, blowing full time on the match.
"I'm proud of their efforts. They were down by 18 points at one stage and they fought back – they don't know how to quit," said Thorn.
"The game was there to be won at the end, so we're disappointed not to get the result.
"We travelled halfway around the world for this match and it would've been special to walk away with a win, but we'll carry this experience forward with us.
"We did secure a bonus point though and we've got the bye now to freshen up before tackling the Brumbies in two weeks.
"I thought James [Slipper] had a big night for us. It's good to see him reach 100 games for Queensland. It's a proud moment for him and his family."
