(Reuters) - The Queensland Reds shock victory over Super Rugby Pacific pacesetters the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday was evidence to coach Les Kiss and co-captain Tate McDermott of the growing strength in depth at Ballymore.

The 2010 Super Rugby champions also handed the Chiefs a rare defeat with a similarly battling performance in New Plymouth last year, but at Lang Park on Saturday they did it without three first-choice starters.