Crusaders resist Reds with 24-20 win

Crusaders 24-20 Reds, Orangetheory Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders resisted a four-try performance from Queensland Reds as they sealed a 24-20 win in the fifth round of Super Rugby at Orangetheory Stadium on Friday.

This is Crusaders' fourth win from five games as they occupy the second place in New Zealand Conference while Reds are at third place after losing five out of the six matches.

Crusaders started the proceedings with a 11th minute try from Joe Moody and Richie Mo'unga followed with the conversion but Reds responded back immediately with a 15th minute touchdown from Chris Feauai-Sautia to reduce the gap to two points.

A penalty kick from Mo'unga took Crusaders to 10 points but Harry Wilson's touchdown in the 26th minute ensured the teams finished the first half levelled. Jock Campbell had a tough night as he went on to missed both the conversions in the opening half.

Just before the break, Crusaders were reduced to 14-men temporarily with Tom Sanders yellow-carded but it did not cause them damage as George Bridge dotted down immediately after the restart.

Taniela Tupou with a 47th minute try kept Reds in the hunt bringing the gap down to two points but Leicester Fainga'anuku's crossover in the 53rd minute meant the visitors were chasing the game with a nine point deficit.

As the final 10 minutes kicked-off, Henry Speight contributed with his side's fourth unconverted try but the missed conversions proved costly as they went on to lose the game by four points.