Crusaders stretch winning streak to 18 after beating Reds 12-22

Reds 12-22 Crusaders, Suncorp Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders stretched their winning streak to 18 games as they defeated Queensland Reds 12-22 in their Super Rugby 2019 face-off at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

This is Crusaders' third win of the season as they occupy the pole position in New Zealand Conference while Reds with two defeats from as many games are at bottom of Australian group.

The visitors got off to a terrific start when a crosskick from Jack Goodhue was collected by Braydon Ennor for the opening try in the seventh minute and soon they doubled their lead when full-back Will Jordan dotted down in the corner.

Just as the half-time was approaching the Reds finally opened their tally when Samu Kerevi dotted down in the 38th minute while Bryce Hegarty added the conversion to make 7-10 at the end of the first half.

The Crusaders started the second half just like the first half with this time lock Whetu Douglas going over a line from a line-out but this time Richie Mo'unga kicked the conversion. As the third quarter was about to end, Crusaders attained their try bonus point when Jordan Taufua crossed over after Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was yellow-carded for repeated offences.

A consolation try from Scott Higginbotham at the end only managed to reduce the losing margin of Reds as the Crusaders completed a 12-22 victory.