11 May 2014

Crusaders crush Reds

8:00 pm on 11 May 2014

The Crusaders have crushed the Queensland Reds 57-29 in their Super Rugby clash at Brisbane.

The visitors outscored the Reds six tries to four for the bonus point victory, despite trailing the home team 17-16 at half time.

The Crusaders wingers Nemani Nadolo and Johnny McNicholl each scored a double with their team mates Wyatt Crockett and Luke Whitelock also crossing the line.

Jamie-Jerry Taulagi and Dom Shipperley scored first half tries for the Reds while the Crusaders half back Andy Ellis was in the sin bin for infringing at the break down.

The Crusaders launched a blitzkrieg after the break scoring four quick tries before Rod Davies and Rob Simmons each dotted down in the second half to earn the Reds a bonus point.

Colin Slade kicked 27 points for the Crusaders in what was the highest scoring Super Rugby fixture at Suncorp Stadium where no New Zealand team had won since the Hurricanes in 2009.

The win has lifted the Christchurch based side into 2nd in the New Zealand conference and 5th overall.