VIDEO: Reds push Crusaders to the limit
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: The Crusaders moved to joint first on the standings after a hard-earned 24-20 win over the Reds in Christchurch on Saturday.
The Reds outscored the Crusaders by four tries to three, but failed to land a single kick at goal.
In contrast, Richie Mo'unga kicked three conversions and penalty - which in the end proved the difference, as the Crusaders pushed their unbeaten run at home to 34 matches.
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The result puts the Crusaders on top of the Super Rugby ladder alongside the Brumbies on 18 points, overhauling the Stormers on 17, who have a bye this week.
Captain Scott Barrett admitted they failed to dominate a committed young Reds side.
"We were ill-disciplined and tried to push too many passes, we didn't play that smart really," he said.
Reds skipper Liam Wright said he was "incredibly proud" of his side, even though they posted their fifth loss in six matches and an eighth straight defeat to the Crusaders.
"We didn't come here for a strong and brave loss, we wanted a win and we put ourselves in a position to do it," he said, refusing to blame his goalkickers for the loss.
"I see them doing the extras every week, long after we're back in the sheds.
"They're putting in the work but it's just not paying off just yet."
The Crusaders opened the scoring when Joe Moody barged between the posts in the 12th minute but the Reds hit back immediately, working the ball wide to winger Chris Feauai-Sautia.
The Queenslanders locked up the scores at 10-10 when Harry Wilson edged the ball through a crush of players onto the line and were unlucky not to be ahead at the break.
The sides exchanged tries after the restart but the Reds' could not convert while Richie Mo'unga slotted home to make it 17-15.
The Crusaders scored their third through Leicester Fainga'anuku after a blockbusting run from Jack Goodhue.
Henry Speight then sparked a Reds resurgence with a try-scoring break that started deep within his own half.
The Queenslanders were chasing the win until the final moments, when an attack broke down three minutes after the siren.
Man of the match: Props Taniela Tupou and Jean-Pierre Smith put in massive shifts for the Reds - both with the ball in hand and on defence. Add in Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - with almost 50 metres from 15 carries, beating six defenders and making two clean breaks. The most productive forward from the visiting team was No.8 Harry Wilson - who managed 80-odd metres from 24 carries, two clean breaks and a great try. You can always look at the Crusaders' impressive backline - the likes of Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Richie Mo'unga. Scott Barrett, in his first game back, showed all his class - including a great intercept when the Reds were hot on attack. Our award goes to Crusaders fullback George Bridge - who normally features on the win. Apart from his usual incisive runs - which netted him over 100 metres from 15 carries, with 10 defenders beaten - he scored a crucial try early in the second half.
The scorers
For the Crusaders:
Tries: Moody, Bridge, Faingaanuku
Cons: Mo'unga 3
Pen: Mo'unga
For the Reds:
Tries: Feauai-Sautia, Wilson, Tupou, Speight
Yellow card: Tom Sanders (Crusaders, 40 - repeated infringements, slowing ball down at the breakdown)
Teams:
Crusaders: 15 George Bridge, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Leicester Faingaanuku, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Ere Enari, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Oliver Jager, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Sione Havili, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Manasa Mataele.
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Isaac Lucas, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (captain), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 JP Smith.
Replacements: 16 Ed Craig, 17 Dane Zander, 18 Josh Nasser, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Filipo Daugunu.
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser, Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Shane McDermott