Queensland have soared to top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after overcoming a horror night at the lineouts to post a pulsating 28-24 win over the Western Force in Brisbane. The odds were stacked against the Reds after flanker John Bryant was yellow carded in the 68th minute for a dangerous clean out with the visitors leading by three points. But despite the numerical disadvantage, Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott touched down in the 73rd minute with Queensland defending grimly from that moment on to seal victory. The result lifted the Reds into top spot following the Crusaders' shock 45-29 loss to Moana Pasifika in Christchurch earlier on Saturday. It means the Reds' clash with the Chiefs next Friday night in New Zealand will be a top-of-the-table battle. The Force were looking to gain a slice of revenge after Queensland scored a try in the dying minutes to snatch a 28-24 win in Perth a month ago. But it wasn't to be, with the Reds winning by the exact same scoreline, despite losing a whopping eight lineouts from their own throw during the match. Force duo Darcy Swain and Jeremy Williams were giants, stealing the Reds' throws time and time again. Heavy downpours in Brisbane led many to predict a scrappy battle at Suncorp Stadium. But with the rain clearing up before kick-off, both sides scored three tries apiece in an action-packed opening half, with the scores locked at 21-21 at the break. The Reds set the tone early by turning down an easy three points in a bid to go for a try. They were rewarded when outside centre Filipo Daugunu squeezed over the line with a pick and go. The Force hit back in the most unlikely fashion, with Tom Robertson sprinting 45m to score a rare breakaway try for a prop. The Reds' line-out was a horror show, with the Force stealing five throws alone in the first half. But one of Queensland's disastrous throws ended up turning to gold, with Tom Lynagh cleaning up an overthrow and beating two defenders before flicking a clever pass to Dre Pakeho for the try. Either side of that it was the Carlo Tizzano show, with the star Force flanker scoring his ninth and 10th tries of the season to keep the scoreboard close. The Force edged out to a 24-21 lead courtesy of Ben Donaldson's penalty in the 58th minute, and the Reds were dealt a huge blow 10 minutes later when Bryant was yellow carded for lifting and tipping Tizzano over. But when the Reds finally nailed a lineout it produced good results, with a rolling maul and a quick snipe from McDermott resulting in a try. The Reds were dealt a late blow when Hunter Paisami was ruled out with a broken nose. His absence came on top of Harry Wilson, Liam Wright and Fraser McReight also being unavailable, but the Reds still found a way to snare the important win.