In a performance that will send a shudder through all of their future Investec Super Rugby opponents, the Crusaders outclassed the Reds to secure their eighth straight win.
Fresh from the bye, the Crusaders picked off where they left off against the Brumbies by crossing for two early tries to put the Reds on the back foot. From then on it was a complete performance from the home side as they dominated the Reds in every facet of the game to secure the comprehensive win.
It was all about Jone Macilai in the opening five minutes as the speedy wing crossed for a double to give the Crusaders a 14-0 lead. The first came after two minutes as the Crusaders ball movement was too rapid for the shell shocked Reds defence. Moments later, the rampant Crusaders attack broke the Reds line for a second time to gift Macilai the quickest double of the season. After the initial onslaught, the Reds rallied to hold off the Crusaders offense for a period. The Reds managed to hold the ball for passages but could not make any headway as the Crusaders loose forward combination of Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua and Kieran Read caused trouble at the breakdown.
In the 34th minute, Jone Macilai was in on the action again as the
Crusaders nabbed their third try. Hitting the line at speed, Malacai
broke the line before offloading to big lock Scott Barrett to score. At
21-0 up at the break, the Crusaders started the second half as they did
the first when Macilai crossed in the corner for his third try.
It didn’t take long for the Reds to hit back when first-five Jake
McIntyre chipped over the Crusaders defence for centre Campbell Magnay
to run away against the run of play. It was to be the Reds only scoring
moment as the Crusaders took a stranglehold in the final quarter. With
the forwards taking control, Jordan Taufua and Codie Taylor crossed for
tries to secure the commanding 38-5 victory.
The win extended the Reds losing streak in Christchurch to 17 years and
confirmed the Crusaders as one of the teams to beat in 2016.
SCORERS: Crusaders: 38 (Jone Macilai 3, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett,
Jordan Taufua tries, Richie Mo’unga 3 con, Marty McKenzie con) Reds 5
(Campbell Magnay try
learn more about the Crusaders head to www.crusaders.co.nz
