The Queensland Reds faced a significant setback in their Super Rugby campaign, suffering a 43-19 defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch this past Sunday. This match marked Queensland’s first loss of the season, dropping them to fifth place on the competitive Super Rugby Pacific standings. Revenge was sweet for the Crusaders, who had experienced a disappointing loss to the Reds on their home turf the previous year.
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan and winger Sevu Reece each scored two tries in a dominant display from the home side, preventing New Zealand teams from recording an unwanted statistic; a Reds win would have made it a winless weekend for Kiwi teams for only the second time in the tournament’s history. Queensland’s desire to maintain a high-pressure, offloading game was met with the Crusaders’ superior execution.
Reds coach Les Kiss acknowledged the team’s need for improvement in handling and decision-making, particularly in critical moments when they failed to capitalise on opportunities in the opposition’s scoring zone. The Crusaders, demonstrating their prowess on home soil, capitalised on any errors made by Queensland, resulting in swift counter-attacks that led to tries.
Despite a late withdrawal of playmaker Tom Lynagh and the disappointment expressed by Reds co-captain Tate McDermott—who noted the team was often its “own worst enemy”—Kiss conveyed a message of solidarity towards Queenslanders affected by recent cyclonic events, highlighting the importance of community spirit amid the sporting setbacks.
The Reds’ next challenge awaits as they return to Brisbane to face the unbeaten NSW Waratahs, who are the last team left without a loss this season. As McDermott emphasised, the previous match should not deter the team’s aspirations; rather, it is an opportunity to rectify mistakes and come back stronger against a formidable opponent.
The scoreboard read: Crusaders 43 (Reece 2, Jordan 2, Grace, Lio-Willie, Aumua tries; Kemara 3 con, O’Connor con) to Reds 19 (Daugunu, Wilson, Anderson tries; McLaughlin-Phillips 2 con). As the Reds reflect on their performance, their focus now shifts to ensuring a more disciplined approach in their upcoming match against the Waratahs.