Tate McDermott has issued a stern reminder of why his name must be at the forefront of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s plans for the British and Irish Lions tour, with his inspirational showing spurring the Reds’ 35-21 triumph of the Blues.
The Queensland skipper has become Australian rugby’s strongest running threat at the back of the ruck, and that prowess was on show in droves on ANZAC Day in Brisbane.
Tate McDermott of the Reds celebrates a try during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match between Queensland Reds and Blues at Suncorp Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
All night the livewire halfback was probing, and throughout the first half was regularly inches from breaking into the clear – often just pulled down as a burst loomed, and on one occasion a rogue offload ending the raid.
But with the Blues down to 14-men following winger Mark Tele’a’s red card for a dangerous tackle on Tim Ryan, McDermott eventually sliced through and streaked away 25-metres to take Queensland’s lead out to two converted tries.
After being under siege in their own half for the best part of the contest, the Reds rallied from the momentum McDermott’s try created – Lachlan Anderson latching onto a short pass from a lineout play to extend the margin – before Richie Asiata sealed the result from a set piece.
McDermott was eventually taken off with 15-minutes remaining, adding a linebreak and 46 running metres while beating eight defenders to his try.
McDermott has become Australian rugby’s strongest running threat at the back of the ruck.Credit: Getty Images
For much of 2024, McDermott had been used off the bench by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, injected to change the tempo and momentum of a contest while veterans Jake Gordon and Nic White were preferred in the No.9 jumper.
But the way he has led from the front in the absence of injured co-captain Liam Wright (shoulder) has been instrumental in cementing the Reds in the Super Rugby Pacific’s top four, particularly on the back of consecutive losses to the Chiefs and Brumbies.
The threat level he brings running the ball looms as a key weapon against the Lions this year.
“We wanted to play with speed, and it was a real slippery night, so I thought I could maybe get the better of a couple of defenders around the ruck. It’s hard to change movement on that surface to be honest, but it wasn’t conscious; I just saw a couple of opportunities and took them, and the boys reacted off the back of it.”
Tate McDermott
A Lynagh-O’Connor alliance looming?
He spent last season feeding for knowledge from James O’Connor, and now it is looking increasingly likely Tom Lynagh will take that partnership to the Wallabies’ stage.
The rising five-eighth proved the match-winner for the Reds, scoring twice within the opening seven minutes by backing his running game at close range.
His first showcased some surprising strength against bigger men to burrow his way over, while his second came with some brilliant support play on a Jock Campbell half-break, before weaving around the Blues’ defence to cross.
Tom Lynagh of the Reds in action.Credit: Getty Images
Lynagh, who was named man of the match, is growing with each outing, backing his running game more to combine with his long boot.
“He was just composed, me and Tommy speak a lot out on the field and not once was he worried. I thought he really reacted well to having Jock back there, just someone who he knows really well and I thought their combination was good. He’s been a soldier for us, he’s been terrific.”
Tate McDermott
But can he take his form to the intentional stage, even alongside O’Connor comes the Lions tour?
O’Connor has been floated for a potential Wallabies return, having not featured in the gold jumper since 2022 – courtesy of his finishing exploits for the Crusaders – coming on the ice victories, as recently as his penalty goal after the siren to defeat the Blues last week.
That calm mind, understanding of his game and experience at the highest level could all play a role in whether Schmidt rolls the dice on the 34-year-old, having spent much of last year recovering from a hamstring concern while mentoring Lynagh.
O’Connor has been in the Lions’ furnace before; he commanded the five-eighth duties 12 years ago, and his rapport with Lynagh could prove a game-changing tonic.
Rookie responds to All Black test
It was arguably the greatest test of his fledgling career, but Dre Pakeho answered Kiss’ call in style.
The 20-year-old has earned his Super Rugby chance this season in light of the injury carnage inflicted upon Wallabies stars Josh Flook (hamstring) and Filipo Daugunu (calf), and has forged a promising midfield partnership with Hunter Paisami.
But against 81-capped All Black Rieko Ioane, Pakeho refused to falter, finishing with 46 metres – many from an eyes-up plan pouncing on a charge down – two tackle busts and a linebreak.
“He stepped up completely, I thought he found a great running line timing hitting the shoulders and punching himself through to create a bit of a collapsed defence situation. It creates momentum off the base of the ruck, and defensively I thought he was strong right across the park. It was some really mature moments from a young man. He’s standing on his own two feet clearly.”
Reds coach Les Kiss
Kiss confirmed Daugunu was in line to make his comeback following next week’s clash with the Drua, however Flook was unlikely to feature again this season.
Goal line mongrel at the perfect time
They may have taken a lead into halftime, but the territory battle suggested Queensland had no right to do so.
From Lynagh’s second try, the Reds were constantly defending their own line, eventually garnering a warning from the referee for repeated infringements, while some ill discipline further up field gifted the Blues safe passage down field.
But on three occasions, three of the smallest men on the park stood up; 84kg winger Tim Ryan holding up Blues hooker Kurt Eklund twice, while Tate McDermott and Lynagh combined to thwart what looked like a certain try from a rolling maul.
“The boys rounded beautifully in defence, there was the combination between contact work and what we did off that which was important for us. They’re a hard team to hold back when they get a little bit of momentum on, and we didn’t win every battle, but I think we won enough of the most important ones at the right time.”
Les Kiss
