Bolters emerge in Wallabies race as Reds orchestrate Brumbies ambush
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips came from the clouds to make a serious case for a Wallabies debut and the way he picked the Brumbies apart was perhaps the best example of that claim.
With the Queensland Reds sitting eighth, assuming starting duties in the absence of injured duo Carter Gordon (knee) and Tom Lynagh (calf), he produced arguably the most tidy display of his fledgling career to guide his team to a 30-21 victory over the Australian Super Rugby juggernaut, denying them a bonus point in the process.
The 22-year-old’s running game has been his X-factor since bursting onto the scene in 2024, and while he was back on the scene with a line break between the 45 yards he gained, extended playing time this year has seen him develop into a genuine game manager.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who watched the game, spoke glowingly about McLaughlin-Phillips. He showed the reason for the Reds’ defeat to the Blues in extra time in the Super Round last week.
But he avenged that heartbreak on his Suncorp Stadium debut with the number 10 on his back, scoring five goals and relying on his forwards to take over, led by Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Fraser McReight.
This year’s starting five has accelerated his development after being somewhat stagnant last year with Lynagh’s development averaging just 30 minutes of playing time through the 2025 season.
Injuries to Gordon and Lynagh have opened the door for Western Force star Ben Donaldson to file a Test recall, but the Queensland pair are both expected to make a return before the Super Rugby finals.
But McLaughlin-Phillips’ willingness to take on the defensive line could make him a challenge for a place on the bench, leaving fellow rising star Brumbies counterpart Declan Meredith behind.
McLaughlin-Phillips will lead the charge, while halfback Kalani Thomas’ instincts will fuel Wallabies No.9 Tate McDermott’s comeback from a serious hamstring injury suffered last year.
Thomas was crucial for the Reds, who closed the first half ahead 17-7 with his quick and straight pass to Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, followed by his perfect tackle from close range in the shadows of half-time. Runner Josh Flook did his best Superman impression by scoring inches from the dead-ball line.
The 24-year-old earned his first Wallabies cap in last year’s Spring Tour and while McDermott is still unsure when he will be ready for a return, an opportunity is on the horizon when Schmidt names his first squad to take on Ireland on July 4.
It was a much-needed win for the Reds, who are on the edge of the top six.
While three of their last four games have come against teams below them in the standings (Force, Drua and Moana Pacifica), they have a promising record in making a last-ditch bid for a home final against the Chiefs in Brisbane, who they face on Friday night.
Queensland’s four consecutive losses in the second half will undoubtedly be an area to focus on.
