The Queensland Reds have fallen 25-12 to the Crusaders in Round 6 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific.
In front of a crowd of 14,514 at Suncorp Stadium, the defending premiers scored three-tries-to-two, securing the New Zealanders their 12th straight win over the Reds.
Fraser McReight celebrated his 50th Queensland and Super Rugby cap in the loss, while Tate McDermott and Jordan Petaia both crossed for tries.
Queensland were unable to turn field possession into points in the early exchanges, with a Richie Mo’unga penalty opening the scoring with a penalty in the 17th minute.
Crusaders winger Leicester Fainga'anuku had the first try of the game in the 22nd minute courtesy of a Mo’unga inside ball, before Dom Gardiner crossed to put the score out to 15-nil.
Queensland bounced back with some counter-attacking brilliance to open their account, James O’Connor and Harry Wilson combining to put McDermott into space and over the line for his first try of 2023. Isaac Henry converted to cut the Reds deficit to 15-7 in the 33rd minute.
The reigning champions had the first five-pointer of the second-half, Tamaiti Williams burrowing through to put the score out to 22-7 in the 54th minute of play.
The Reds hit back with a Jordan Petaia try, the Wallaby winger steaming onto a clever Tate McDermott kick to ground the ball in the in-goal. Henry’s missed conversion and a second Mo’unga penalty soon after put the score out to 25-12 in favour of the visitors.
Neither side troubled the scorers again, the Crusaders going on to claim a 13-point win.
Queensland are back at home next Friday to take on the ACT Brumbies in another Super Rugby Pacific and Super W doubleheader. Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/3ZtxQzk.
