Crusaders defeat a low point for Reds
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Reds coach Richard Graham admits that their heavy 17-58 loss at the hands of the Crusaders is one of the most disappointing performances he has ever been involved in.
The Reds crossed twice through Samu Kerevi late in the first half and then through Chris Feauai-Sautia towards the end as a consolation try.
Meanwhile, for the Crusaders, their seven tries were scored by Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Sam Whitelock, Matt Todd, Dominic Bird, Jone Macilai-Tori and a double to Nemani Nadolo.
Despite the final score line the match actually hung in the balance early in the second half with the Reds trailing just 15-10 and the Crusaders down to 14 men with Bird in the sin-bin, but a long range intercept try to Nadolo turned the game the Crusaders way.
Graham said he was incredibly disappointed with his side’s second half performance.
“What a disappointment," the coach said after the match.
"Without a doubt that is one of the most disappointing performances I have been involved.
"Everything we did in the second half was loose, lateral and without conviction."
The Reds coach handed credit to the Crusaders, who punished the Australian side when it came to turnover ball.
“The Crusaders are the leading team in Super Rugby at capitalising on turnover possession and tonight we gave them too much opportunity," he added. “We worked incredibly hard in the first half and to be down by only five points gave us some confidence heading into the second.
"Our performance however never reflected our intent and as a consequence we were given a lesson.
“We have a lot of work to do before we play the Rebels at home next Friday.”
The Reds now return to Brisbane where they will take on the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium in a big local derby for on Friday May 15.
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