The Crusaders made it four wins in a row and kept their finals hopes alive with a crushing 57-29 bonus-point win over the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Reds supporters laid witness to the most points ever scored at Suncorp in Super Rugby, unfortunately most of them against their side.
Visiting fly-half Colin Slade was the stand-out, sinking 11 goals from as many attempts and playing a significant hand in his side’s comfortable win.
Coming into the match in last place in the Australian conference, the Reds were playing for pride and started well with an early 3-0 lead.
The Crusaders hit back three minutes later through a barnstorming try to winger Nemani Nadolo. The Crusaders’ discipline then came under scrutiny and six long arm penalties in a short period resulted in half Andy Ellis being sent to the bin.
The Reds took full advantage, running in two tries in just three minutes.
Leading 17-16 the Reds were flying, however the Crusaders were swift in their retaliation with an energetic start to the second half, yielding two quick tries.
Prop Wyatt Crockett crashed over following a cheeky quick tap in the 43rd minute and then winger Johnny McNicholl scored a beautiful runaway try after a brilliant Israel Dagg kick.
Any chance the Reds had of restoring some pride was dashed as they failed to deal with a Crusaders high ball resulting in No.8 Sam Whitelock crashing over the line. It had the Crusaders up 40-17 and home fans leaving despite having 20 minutes to go.
The tries kept coming as the Crusaders eased to a comfortable win.
Sam Alexander
Report published on sportal.com.au – http://www.sportal.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/crusaders-demolish-hapless-reds/sfnb21ejijvt1nh2yjhhery0a
S.J.A 