The Queensland Reds might have lost the battle against the Chiefs across the ditch, but they can still win the war in 2025.

In dreadful conditions, with the Reds reduced to 14 men early in the second half, Les Kiss’ side fired several shots against New Zealand’s pace-setters.

The issue was they didn’t land them.

Zane Hilton’s reaction said it all as the highly-rated forwards coach banged his pen on the table in the coach’s box after another rolling maul failed to get going.

It was made all the more frustrating given the points turned down, as Tate McDermott opted to kick for touch rather than bank the gift threes on offer.

None was more surprising than the decision to kick for touch despite being down to 14 men early in the second half, having already been turned away twice in the first half.

McDermott later explained that the Reds thought they were better suited playing deep in the opposition 22 rather than trying to work their way back without Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen on the field.

The Queensland Reds remain the real deal despite going down against the Chiefs in Hamitlon on April 04, 2025. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

The decision and, ultimately, failure to convert the territory into points was a throwback to the second half of the Michael Cheika regime with the Wallabies, where the men in gold regularly were left to rue the decision to kick for touch.

Rubbing salt into the wound, the Chiefs then delivered a masterclass in pressure as Luke Jacobson relied on Damian McKenzie’s boot to add three points midway through the second half to move to a 13-10 lead.

Then came the decisive blow, as they turned down their next chance to add another three as they searched for a two-score advantage. They got it.

The lesson could prove valuable for Kiss’ rising Reds, who physically stood up to the challenge of taking on the Chiefs on their home turf.

Despite the defeat, it was a step forward, especially given several players were only just back on the park (Matt Faessler, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Hunter Paisami), while Tom Lynagh and Jock Campbell came off the bench too.

Lolesio bleeding chips ahead of Lions – and the headache the Reds have coming

Noah Lolesio needs a big second half to this year’s Super Rugby season to keep the Wallabies’ No.10 jersey.

After the 25-year-old decided to move to Japan at year’s end, the playmaker can’t rely on incumbency to see him remain in the No.10 jersey to face the Lions despite starting 11 of 13 Tests last year.

He might have some money in the bank that will be considered come selection time, but it’s not necessarily Rob Valetini-level savings.

At present, Lolesio’s form is behind that of Ben Donaldson and Lynagh.

Who replaces Lolesio at the Brumbies remains to be seen.

Fellow playmakers Declan Meredith and Jack Debreczeni are both off contract, while Waratahs flyhalf Tane Edmed, who debuted against Ireland last year, is being strongly looked at, as first reported by The Roar.

The other young fly-half who the Brumbies could look at is Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

The Junior Wallabies utility back once again showed his ability against the Chiefs last week.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips looked at home for the Reds against the Chiefs. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

Although his performance wasn’t faultless, the 20-year-old has an abrasiveness and willing to run the ball that is well-suited to Super Rugby.

Had he managed to ground the ball early in the second half, his solo effort would have been on the highlight reels across the world.

McLaughlin-Phillips has already said he won’t run away from challenging Lynagh for the No.10 jersey at the Reds, but realistically can both young playmakers stay at the franchise?

Make or break time for Tahs

After a promising opening month at NSW, Dan McKellar has a big job ensuring the wheels don’t come off at the Waratahs over the coming weeks.

Bringing all the pieces together was always going to be difficult.

It wasn’t just a re-jigged roster at Daceyville this season, but a new coaching team too.

After eight rounds, it looks like the Waratahs are still battling to find their identity and philosophy.

Are they a set-piece team, kick-first or running team?

The Waratahs have a huge task getting back on track in 2025. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

At present, the Waratahs aren’t doing anything particularly well.

The chopping and changing right across the backline looks like it hasn’t helped either, with Edmed’s bizarre slide down the power rankings curious given the sweeping change across the team.

McKellar’s challenge to get the Waratahs back on track won’t get any easier this week either, with Clayton McMillan’s Chiefs to return to Sydney on Friday.

Moana Pasifika breathing life into Super Rugby

For the past couple of years the Fijian Drua carried the flag of Super Rugby’s new additions, but finally Moana Pasifika has come to the party.

The competition’s youngest franchise is also the most exciting in 2025.

They’re not yet in the top six, but Tana Umaga’s men are scoring points and playing the type of rugby that will have people turning on the television.

Their come-from-behind win over the Waratahs came as no surprise.

Not only have they scored the most second half points this year, but the least points they’ve scored in 2025 is 29.

Sydney-born Patrick Pellegrini is the competition’s breakout star, while Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika shapes as being the most influential move in the tournament’s history.

Show her the money

Maddison Levi is wrapped up for another season with Rugby Australia, but the governing body should be looking at pinning her down long-term.

The 22-year-old chalked up her 200th World Series try in Singapore over the weekend.

But her biggest highlight came when she prevented the Black Ferns from scoring what looked like a certain try in the final.

Somehow Levi got under Kelsey Teneti to prevent the try, then wrestled the ball out of her grasp before galloping away under the roof in Singapore. It was a remarkable effort.

Having already dabbled in AFLW and been headhunted by the NRLW, RA should be making her the face of Australian rugby and throwing her a contract that would rival most of the Wallabies.

Christy Doran’s Australian Super Rugby team of the week

Marley Pearce, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Wilson, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Triston Reilly, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy.