Reds Rugby: Western Force stun Queensland Reds as Molina hat-trick seals bonus-point upset
reds rugby — The Western Force produced a stunning 42-19 bonus-point victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, powered by a hat-trick from Franco Molina that decided the match in the final play. The Reds returned Carter Gordon, Josh Flook, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr to the matchday squad but were beaten in a physical contest. Les Kiss’s selection changes to the backline could not prevent the visitors’ disciplined second-half performance.
Reds Rugby fallout and key moments
The Force led early when Molina crossed twice, while the Reds hit back with tries from Tim Ryan and Joe Brial to stay in the contest. A long-range strike from the Force backline produced Grealy’s halftime try, sending the visitors into the break leading 21-12. An organised, set-piece-led second half allowed the Force to add tries from Darby Lancaster and Brandon Paenga-Amosa and threaten an upset; Filipo Daugunu’s long-range reply for the Reds narrowed the margin but Molina’s last-play effort completed his hat-trick and secured the Force’s first bonus-point win over the Reds since 2012. This result has immediate bearing on reds rugby selection debates and momentum for both clubs.
Immediate reactions
Les Kiss, Reds head coach, spoke to the squad’s depth and selection choices in the lead-in to the match: “You want combinational depth… (last year we had) good players, but not as good in combinations. ” Kiss also framed the selection challenge in season-long terms: “It’s trying to get that balance right; enough combinations together, enough time, rest them at the right time, make sure they get enough footy to fill their cup. “
Carter Gordon, flyhalf, Queensland Reds, reflected on his partnership preparations in the lead-up: “We toured together, we were roomies and built a good connection there, ” describing the familiarity he hoped would help the backline. The Reds also noted the return of hooker Matt Faessler and tighthead Zane Nonggorr to the bench as impact options for the forward pack.
What’s next
Both teams will assess fitness and selection ahead of their next fixtures, with Les Kiss balancing the need for combinations and rest as he prepares for an extended period of selection decisions before his scheduled Wallabies appointment. The Reds will weigh the returns of experienced players against the need to restore cohesion after a physical defeat, while the Force will look to build on a rare bonus-point scalp over the Queenslanders.
reds rugby remains a live conversation for coaches and players after a game that combined tactical reshuffling, returning internationals and a standout individual performance that swung the result late.
