Carter Gordon has stepped up in Queensland’s moment of need to lift the Reds to a thrilling 34-31 win against Super Rugby Pacific leaders ACT Brumbies. 

With the Brumbies leading by 11 points with five minutes remaining, they looked in the box seat to claim a fourth consecutive win and continue their perfect start to the season. 

But Les Kiss’ Reds refused to give up, with Filipo Daugunu crossing in the 78th minute before Gordon secured the win with a post-siren diving try at a soggy GIO Stadium on Saturday. 

Former Wallabies playmaker Gordon’s heroics capped off a stunning return to rugby as he only played his first competition union game since 2024 last Friday after a stint with Gold Coast in the NRL. 

Having lost their last 11 from 12 matches in Canberra, Queensland struggled to find a solution to the Brumbies’ second-half rigid defence, coughing up 18 turnovers to the home side’s 13. 

But they held their nerve to emerge with a second consecutive win. 

The Reds victory overshadowed athletic backrower Charlie Cale’s prolific performance for the Brumbies as he continued to make his case for a Wallabies return, scoring two tries to bring his season tally to seven in four games. 

Without Rob Valetini (rest), Corey Toole (leg tightness), and Ollie Sapsford (hamstring), the Brumbies faced an uphill battle in keeping their undefeated start to the season alive. 

But two missed conversions by Ryan Lonergan would prove the difference. 

The loss came as prop James Slipper featured in his 202nd game, equalling the most matches played in the competition, set by former All Black prop Wyatt Crockett with the Crusaders.

After lightning delayed the start of the clash for more than an hour, it was a frenetic opening 20 minutes as Lachie Shaw and Cale planted the ball over the line.

The Reds found their groove though, first through Lachie Anderson, who was on the receiving end of an inside pass from Wilson, before Josh Flook crossed in the 27th minute after some silky skills down the left flank. 

Cale scored again in the 35th minute after some persistent Brumbies attack, but scrum-half Louis Werchon slotted a penalty goal to help the Reds lead 20-19 at halftime.

Both teams struggled to put phases together in the second half, but fullback Andy Muirhead reclaimed the lead for the home side before back rower Luke Reimer scored to set up the hosts’ handy late lead. 

But that was before Daugunu crossed to set up a thrilling finish and before Gordon stormed over the line to emerge victorious. 

Queensland Reds 34 (Tries: Anderson, Flook, Daugunu, Gordon; Cons: Werchon 4; Pens: Werchon 2) def ACT Brumbies 31 (Tries: Cale 2, Shaw, Reimer, Muirhead; Cons: Lonergan 3)

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (captain), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Tuiana Taii Tualima, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 3 Rhys van Nek, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.

Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (captain), 6 Joe Brial, 5 5Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 4 Zane Nonggor, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.

Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Seru Uru, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey

TMO: James Leckie