The Queensland Reds pulled off a hard-fought 24-20 victory against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on March 22, 2025, marking a significant win for the Australian side as they sought to overcome a decade-long drought of victories on New Zealand soil. This match was particularly meaningful for Reds captain Harry Wilson, as it was the first time he led the team into battle.
Kickoff was set for 4:35 PM NZT, with a packed crowd from the student section creating a lively atmosphere under the stadium's iconic roof. The Reds entered this match full of confidence after a dominant 31-0 victory over the Highlanders in their previous encounter. The last time the two teams met, the Reds achieved their biggest win against the Highlanders, and they aimed to build on that momentum.
However, despite the Reds' history of struggles in Dunedin, they started strong, scoring an opening try just four minutes into the game. Kalani Thomas initiated the scoring with a clean break that set up for a try, which Tom Lynagh converted to take an early 7-0 lead. This was the kind of start that Reds head coach Les Kiss had hoped for, as he acknowledged the challenge awaiting them in Dunedin.
"There's going to be some really rowdy students in the stands under the roof. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy," Kiss noted before the match. He had made several changes to the squad, with Liam Wright and Fraser McReight sidelined due to injuries, and Tate McDermott rested.
The Highlanders were eager to bounce back after a narrow loss to the Hurricanes the previous week, and they closely matched the Reds' intensity throughout the first half. After a series of penalties against the Reds, Highlanders' Timoci Tavatavanawai scored their opening try, showcasing their own strong defensive skills and offensive capabilities. The conversion brought the hosts level at 7-7.
As the game progressed, both teams went back and forth in an exhilarating showcase of rugby. Following another try from Reds’ Richie Asiata, the visitors took a 12-7 lead, but soon after, the Highlanders responded with a penalty goal, narrowing the gap to 12-10.
With the round progressing, the intensity didn’t wane; the Highlanders took the lead for the first time when Taniela Tele'a broke through the Reds’ defense to score, and although Taine Robinson missed the conversion, the Highlanders went ahead 17-12. Tensions rose as penalties continued to stack against the Reds, compelling the referee, Damon Murphy, to keep a close eye on the complex dynamics of the match.
In the second half, it was the Reds’ turn to retaliate. They quickly barreled through the Highlanders' defense multiple times, with Filipo Daugunu scoring a try that set the score at 24-19, putting pressure on the Highlanders who were desperately trying to regain the lead. Both teams exhibited sheer effort, with the Reds intent on maintaining their lead while the Highlanders sought a comeback.
As the clock ticked down towards full-time, the Highlanders pressed on, handled expertly by Nathan Hastie, who led a number of attacks that troubled the Reds’ defense. Finn Hurley returned to the squad as a fullback, and his extensive knowledge of the game came in handy, yet it was not enough to turn the tide as time ran out.
The final whistle blew with the Reds claiming a narrow 24-20 victory, allowing them to return home with newfound momentum and confidence. Post-match, Wilson reflected on his captaincy, saying, "I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland. I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year." This victory not only earned them a place in the top four of the Super Rugby Pacific standings but highlighted their determination to reclaim a championship since Australia last held the title in 2014.
The successful outing in Dunedin inspires a sense of hope within the Reds’ camp as they aim to further build on their performance in future matches. Meanwhile, the Highlanders will look to regroup and strategize in order to reclaim their standing in the league, particularly against other Australian teams where they have struggled recently.
With players like Ethan de Groot and Soane Vikena putting up strong performances despite the loss, the Highlanders will need to continue pushing forward and adapting if they wish to find their footing once again in the highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific.
The Reds have surely set the tempo with this victory, signaling their resurgence and ambition as the season progresses. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures, the hope among their supporters is that they can finally end the drought of championship wins for Australian teams in the Super Rugby arena.
