Reds too hot for feeble Force
Queensland Reds No.8 Harry Wilson made a big statement to new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, scoring twice in his side’s impressive 45-10 pre-season win over the Western Force.
Wilson was out of favour with Dave Rennie but took a huge step in his battle to get out of the international wilderness on Saturday.
He scored in each of the first two-thirds in a game split into three 30 minutes because of Perth’s mini heatwave.
The result also threw out a warning to the Reds’ Super Rugby rivals in the six-try spree at UWA Sports Park.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips also grabbed a double with Ryan Smith and Kalani Thomas each adding one to the Reds’ score.
The Force’s five-pointers came from winger Zack Kibirige who signed this season from English club Wasps and Campbell Parata.
Both sides were littered with fresh faces – new Force coach Simon Cron starting with seven while 10 of Reds coach Brad Thorn’s 30-man squad had not played Super Rugby.
The Force started with an all-international front row, Wallabies Tom Robertson, new hooker Folau Faanga’a and Argentinean Santiago Medrano.
Behind them, experienced Wallabies lock Izack Rodda was back after a lengthy spell with a foot injury.
Thorn has based his side around a powerful scrum.
They had no Wallabies in their starting front row, but handled everything thrown at them by the Force.
The Force had the better of the opening exchanges but it was the visitors who took the lead from a midfield turnover, breaking through the centre for Wilson to score, converted by Isaac Henry.
They pulled their way into the game, opting to increase their lead with a Henry penalty.
The Force hit back as the first third came to a close, a lovely handling move and chip and chase by Kibirige to the delight of fans who braved the steamy conditions but it was the Reds who continued their scoring spree with just one more from the home side..
Scorers
For the Western Force
Tries: Kibirige), Parata
For the Reds
Tries: Wilson 2, McLaughlin-Phillips 2, Smith, Thomas
Cons: Lynagh 4, Henry 2
Pen: Henry
Teams
Western Force
Reds squad
Forwards: Connor Anderson, Richie Asiata, Angus Blyth, Alex Davies, Ethan Dobbins, Matt Faessler, Luke Jones, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Keynan Tauakipulu, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Dane Zander.
Backs: Floyd Aubrey, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Tom Lynagh, Ben Navosailagi, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon.
