Crusaders cruise to dominant victory
In a rain affected first half, the Reds were first on the scoreboard through the boot of Jake McIntyre, who slotted a 30-metre penalty in the 16th minute. The rain kept pounding the players and made for a low scoring half.
The Crusaders looked certain to score in the 37th minute but were thwarted by a Samu Kerevi try-saving tackle. That tackled proved crucial in keeping the Crusaders scoreless in the opening half as the Reds held onto their slender 3-0 lead.
The Crusaders came out strong in the second half and found reward in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty try, which was easily converted to hand them a 7-3 lead. The visitors stretched their lead to nine points with 20 minutes remaining in the encounter before adding their third converted try just five minutes later.
There was no stopping the New Zealand outfit as they claimed their fourth converted try with six minutes to play. A 45 metre penalty sealed the Crusaders' victory.
Scorers:
For Reds:
Pen: McIntyre
For Crusaders: TBC
Teams:
Reds: 15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Lolo Fakaosilea, 5 Rob Simmons (captain), 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements – from: Saia Fainga'a, Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou, Ben Matwijow, Lukhan Tui, Curtis Browning, Maclean Jones, Michael Gunn, James Tuttle, Mack Mason, Chris Kuridrani, Duncan Paia'aua, Anthony Fainga'a, Alex Gibbon, Sam Greene.
Crusaders: 15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Sean Wainui, 12 David Havili, 11 Sione Fifita, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Leon Fukofuka, 8 Jordan Taufua, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jimmy Tupou (captain), 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Mike Alaalatoa, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements – from: Codie Taylor, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Oliver Jager, Samuel Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Reed Prinsep, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, Kieron Fonotia, Mitchell Hunt, Johnny McNicholl, Nemani Nadolo.
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffman (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
