{"id":645012,"date":"2026-05-02T13:53:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T13:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/645012\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T13:53:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T13:53:11","slug":"bolters-emerge-in-wallabies-race-as-reds-orchestrate-brumbies-ambush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/645012\/","title":{"rendered":"Bolters emerge in Wallabies race as Reds orchestrate Brumbies ambush"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has come from the clouds to mount a serious case for a Wallabies debut, and the way he pulled the Brumbies apart was perhaps his finest example of that claim.<\/p>\n

The Queensland Reds five-eighth, assuming the starting duties in the absence of injured duo Carter Gordon (knee) and Tom Lynagh (calf),<\/a> turned in arguably the most composed display of his fledgling career to guide his side to a 30-21 triumph over the Australian Super Rugby juggernaut \u2013 depriving them of a bonus point in the process.<\/p>\n

While the 22-year-old\u2019s running game has been his X-factor since landing on the scene in 2024 \u2013 and was on show again, coming up with a line break among his 45 gained metres \u2013 his extended game time this year has enabled him to develop into a genuine game manager.<\/p>\n

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who was watching on, has spoken glowingly of McLaughlin-Phillips. He showed glimpses of why in the Reds\u2019 extra-time defeat to the Blues in last week\u2019s Super Round.<\/p>\n

But in what was his first Suncorp Stadium appearance with the No.10 on his back, he avenged that heartbreak \u2013 kicking five goals, and trusting his forward pack to get into their work \u2013 spearheaded by Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Fraser McReight.<\/p>\n

Related Article\"Noah<\/a><\/p>\n

His five starting shots this year have accelerated his development, after being somewhat stagnant last year as Lynagh flourished, averaging just 30 minutes of game time across the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n

Gordon and Lynagh\u2019s injuries have opened the door for Western Force star Ben Donaldson to press his case for a Test recall,<\/a> albeit the Queensland pair are both expected to make their comebacks before the Super Rugby finals.<\/p>\n

But McLaughlin-Phillips\u2019 willingness to take on the defensive line could make him a compelling bench inclusion, having outscored his fellow rising star in Brumbies counterpart Declan Meredith.<\/p>\n

While McLaughlin-Phillips managed proceedings, the instincts of his halfback Kalani Thomas will ensure any return for Wallabies No.9 Tate McDermott from a serious hamstring injury suffered last year will need to be earned.<\/p>\n

\"HarryHarry McLaughlin-PhillipsGetty Images<\/p>\n

Thomas was pivotal to the Reds clinching a 17-7 halftime lead \u2013 his fast and flat pass for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to score, followed by his perfect grubber at close range in the shadows of halftime. His centre Josh Flook produced his best Superman impression to score within inches of the dead ball line.<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old garnered his maiden Wallabies cap on last year\u2019s Spring Tour, and with McDermott still unsure of when he will be fit to make his comeback,<\/a> an opportunity looms when Schmidt names his first squad to take on Ireland on July 4.<\/p>\n

This was a win the Reds desperately needed, given they were teetering on the edge of the top six.<\/p>\n

Three of their final four games will come against sides below them on the ladder (Force, Drua and Moana Pasifika), while they hold a promising recent record against the Chiefs in Brisbane \u2013 who they face on Friday night – to suggest a last-ditch bid for a home final remains alive.<\/p>\n

Queensland\u2019s four lost lineouts, all in quick succession in the second half, will undoubtedly be an area to hone in on.<\/p>\n

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