Harry Wilson and Jock Campbell's Queensland Reds put on a second half clinic at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night to thump the Western Force and solidify their Super Rugby AU finals credentials.
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The 57-5 bonus point victory was the Reds' biggest win over the Force, bettering the 50-10 mauling in 2010, and propelled them to the top of the table (with the Brumbies and Waratahs to play each other on Saturday night).
After leading 15-nil at half-time, the Reds dominated the second half running in six tries in the final 30 minutes and producing some champagne rugby.
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Campbell continued to impress at fullback, the Inverell product making 11 carries for 40m with two clean breaks (according to RUGBY.com.au stats), while Wilson was again solid with nine carries for 23 metres and 10 tackles.
Reported by the Sydney Morning Herald during the week as part of Wallabies coach Dave Rennie's August player of national interest (PONI) list at both blindside breakaway and No.8, where the Gunnedah junior has been playing for the Reds, Fox Sports commentator Rod Kafer noted during the coverage on Friday night how Wilson's game has evolved over the season.
Reds coach Brad Thorn said: "We've been talking about different parts of our game mindset wise, turning up ready to play.
"We wanted to bring that pressure on either side of the ball, especially that first ten minutes, and try and bring a bit of tempo to the game to challenge the Force."
"You saw what happened in the second half, they played some positive rugby, attractive rugby and it was brought about by pressure, the defence, the shape in attack and we were pleased."
The Reds have a bye next week before taking on the Brumbies in the final round.
