Crusaders beat Queensland Reds 37-15 to reach semi-finals

Crusaders 37-15 Queensland Reds, Orangetheory Stadium

Richie Mo'unga contributed with 22 points as Crusaders defeated Queensland Reds 37-15 in the quarter-finals of the Super Rugby Pacific at Orangetheory Stadium on Friday.

The New Zealand side had a eight point lead heading into the final quarter but tries from Sevu Reece and Tamaiti Williams ensured they are into the top four.

The result also meant Queensland Reds continue 19-game losing run away from home against New Zealand opposition with their last win coming in Christchurch in 1999.

The opening 10 minutes of the game saw Lawson Creighton and Mo'unga trading penalties as the scores were levelled 3-3. The opening try of the game came in the 15th minute when Will Jordan struck after good work from David Havili and Sevu Reece. Mo'unga's conversion meant the scoreline became 10-3.

The Reds struck back as Suliasi Vunivalu dived in the corner but the conversion went wide as the gap came down to two points before Mo'unga struck with back to back penalties to ensure Crusaders had a 16-8 lead at the conclusion of the opening half.

The visitors were the quickest to get off the block early in the second half as wing Filipo Daugunu scored from a superb lineout in the 43rd minute and Creighton's conversion made it 16-15 setting up a tense final half hour.

Nevertheless, it was one-way traffic in the final quarter as further tries from Reece and Tamaiti Williams in the 65th and 75th minutes sealed the win for Crusaders and a berth to the semi-finals.