Tom Lynagh of the Reds charges forward during the round six Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on 22 March 2025, in Dunedin. Photo: Joe Allison / Getty Images
Queensland Reds centre Filipo Daugunu has scored a try double, but his team's ruthless scrum has set the platform for a 29-23 win over the Highlanders at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Seeking their first win at the venue since 2013, the visitors led early, but conceded the next 20 points, as the Highlanders struck back through captain Timoci Tavatavanawai and centre Taniela Tele'a, and the boot of first-five Taine Robinson.
The entire complexion of the contest changed with the introduction of former All Blacks prop and current Wallabies international Alex Hodgman into the Reds front row.
Queensland began to dominate scrums, winning penalty after penalty in the attacking red zone, until eventually referee Damon Murphy had had enough. He warned the Highlanders front row that the next infringement would draw a yellow card.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph tried to replace Saula Ma'u, whom Hodgman was exploiting on his side of the scrum, but substitute Sefo Kautai lasted only a few seconds before he was injured and Ma'u had to return.
Off the back of this disruption, Daugunu had his first try, but Queensland were still behind 20-19, when All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot was yellow-carded for a cynical offside. The Highlanders were forced to replace him in the scrum, but were reduced to 13 men, as the Reds forwards piled further misery on their counterparts.
With their numerical advantage, winger Lachie Anderson put them ahead and Daugunu iced the result with his second.
"The scrum changed the game for us, really," Reds captain Harry Wilson reflected. "It gained us momentum and gave us extra legs - to get that win was special."
The result promotes the Reds to second on the Super Rugby Pacific table, behind the Chiefs, but the Crusaders and ACT Brumbies can match them later Saturday night.
The Highlanders remain in sixth place for now, but visit the Brumbies on Friday.
Catch up on the action from RNZ's live blog:
Team lists
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. TK Howden, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Sean Withy, 7. Viveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), 12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Finn Hurley
Bench: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sefo Kautai, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Will Stodart, 21. James Arscott, 22. Ajay Faleafaga, 23. Sam Gilbert
Reds: 1. Sef Fa'agase, 2. Richie Asiata, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Seru Uru, 7. John Bryant, 8. Harry Wilson (c), 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. Tom Lynagh, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Filipo Daugunu, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Heremaia Murray
Bench: 16. George Blake, 17. Alex Hodgman, 18. Massimo De Lutiis, 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20. Joe Brial, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23. Dre Pakeho
