Brad Thorn’s tenure at the helm of the Reds is over after Queensland fell to a gripping 29-20 loss to the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals on Saturday.
Wearing black armbands in honour of legendary sports journalist Wayne Smith, the eighth-ranked Reds produced a courageous performance against the title favourites.
The Reds were leading until Damian McKenzie’s 70th minute penalty nudged them in front and then No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula powered over for a decisive try in the 76th.
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Vunivalu opens Reds account
Dual code great Thorn announced in April that he would not seek to extend his contract as Reds coach next season.
Two Queensland Rugby World Cup hopefuls also sustained injuries in Hamilton.
Former Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu fractured his arm and was off to hospital while inside centre James O’Connor was also hurt late.
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Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu boosted his Wallabies selection chances with two tries while another contender, No.8 Harry Wilson, also dotted down.
Queensland – the only team to have beaten the Chiefs this season – scored three tries to two but five Damian McKenzie penalties proved crucial.
“There were a couple of calls that were questionable if I’m honest,” Reds captain Tate McDermott said, before paying tribute to Thorn.
“What he’s done to turn around this club has been phenomenal. I hope we put a smile on his face. We will be gutted with that because we put ourselves in a position to win.”
CHIEFS 29 (Emoni Narawa, Pita Gus Sowakula tries; Damian McKenzie 5 pen, 2 con REDS 20 (Suliasi Vunivalu 2, Harry Wilson tries; Tom Lynagh pen, con) HT: 16-10
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