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This afternoon is the huge Super Rugby clash between the Queensland Reds and the Crusaders in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Join us for live scores and a live blog of what is expected to be a battle royale.
View the Reds v Crusaders Super Rugby grand final blog here.
For the Crusaders, victory will have them in back to within touching distance of the Blues in the New Zealand Conference, while the Reds can extend their lead at the top of the Australian Conference following the Waratahs loss overnight.
The Reds have been in hot form and have become the darlings of Australian rugby, but this is a stern test of coach Ewen McKenzie.
In 2010, the Reds were all over the Crusaders, putting them to the sword as Will Genie and Cooper ran riot, winning 41-20 with a bonus point.
It is expected to be far closer this game, with Sonny Bill Williams on hand for the Crusaders and Brad Thorne returning from injury.
All eyes will be on the 10 head to head clash of the 10s, Quade Cooper vs. Dan Carter, both regarded as the best playmakers for the Wallabies and the All Blacks respectively and arguably the best players in their countries.
FINAL SCORE: Reds: 17 – Crusaders – 16
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May 29th 2011 @ 3:54pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 3:54pm | Report comment
Not far from kick-off. Any last minute thoughts on who will walk away with the win, Roarers?
May 29th 2011 @ 4:01pm
Spiro Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:01pm | Report comment
I reckon the Reds are in with a great chance. There is a huge crowd, the 16th man for the Reds. Stu Dickinson is the referee and he has in the past been tough on Richie McCaw at the breakdown, yellow carding him twice in the past.
The Crusaders are really missing the fire power of Sean Maitland and Israel Dagg.
And last season the Reds at home thrashed them.
Game on
May 29th 2011 @ 4:05pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:05pm | Report comment
Sonny Bill Williams will be one to watch here, what a team the Crusaders have assembled with him, McCaw and Carter all on the park.
May 29th 2011 @ 4:09pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:09pm | Report comment
We’re off; deep kick-off from Carter. First play from SBW sees him drop the ball on attack. Scrum Reds
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 0
May 29th 2011 @ 4:10pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:10pm | Report comment
Big Crusaders scrum; Reds under pressure which sees a shot in front for Carter within first minute.
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 0
May 29th 2011 @ 4:10pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:10pm | Report comment
Carter converts an easy shot, Crusaders go up 3-0 in 3rd minute.
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 3
May 29th 2011 @ 4:12pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:12pm | Report comment
Poor kick from Carter sees Reds go on immediate attack.
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 3
May 29th 2011 @ 4:15pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:15pm | Report comment
Reds fumble a ball; attacking scrum for the Crusaders.
Samo gives away a penalty for leaving his feet; Carter has another shot at goal.
52,000 at the game for a sell-out match.
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 3
May 29th 2011 @ 4:16pm
michael said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:16pm | Report comment
come on reds!
May 29th 2011 @ 4:16pm
Zac Zavos said | May 29th 2011 @ 4:16pm | Report comment
Carter pushes it, still 0-3 to the Crusaders.
Sonny Bill Williams leaves the field with a cut hand (blood bin).
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Score – Reds: 0 – Crusaders – 3