Queensland Reds picked up the bonus point win they needed to win the Australian Conference with a 32-16 home win over the Waratahs.
There were five tries for the 40,000+ crowd to enjoy at the Suncorp Stadium as the reigning champions overtook the Brumbies to clinch top spot and secure a home game in next weekend’s Play-Offs.
It was a case of happy 27th birthday for Wallaby wing Digby Ioane was he helped the home team do the double over the NSW rivals. A second minute try from back row man Scott Higginbotham set the scene and there were further scores from Genia, Laim Gill, James Slipper and Dom Shipperley.
But victory could come at a price for the Reds as outside half Quade Cooper picked up a yellow and white card from referee Steve Walsh for a second half, head-high tackle on Berrick Barnes.
The white card means Cooper will be on report and could face a sanction that might lead to him missing next weekend’s key clash. Barnes, Cooper’s main rival for the Wallaby No10 jersey in the Rugby Championship, left the field looking extremely groggy.
