The Reds produced a gritty defensive effort to seal a 19-3 victory over the Rebels in their Super Rugby AU clash at Lang Park in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Reds’ win tightened the standings in the domestic table, with the Brumbies still on top on 18 points, just two ahead of the Reds and three in front of the Waratahs.
Matt Toomua gave the Rebels a 3-0 lead, but they were knocked back time and again by the Reds’ much- improved defence.
They turned the defensive effort into attack and Reds winger Jordan Petaia, who missed last week’s game after the sudden death of his father, scored a try following a dominant scrum that was anchored by Taniela Tupou.
Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa also crossed after a surging run by winger Filipo Daugunu to give the home side a 14-3 half-time lead, with Hamish Stewart adding a late try.
The Waratahs beat the Force 28-8 in the weekend’s other AU encounter.