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The Queensland Reds have shown little indication that they will bounce back from a disastrous 2015 season after being crushed 31-3 by the Crusaders in a Super Rugby trial at Ballymore on Saturday night.
After going into half-time three points in front, a penalty try, two scores from George Bridge and one from Jordan Taufua eventually left the Reds well in arrears.
It was certainly not the confidence booster Richard Graham’s team have hoped for three weeks before their season starts against the NSW Waratahs.
Three minutes before halftime, the Crusaders almost went in front when Sean Wainui was denied by a fine tackle from Samu Kerevi.
Five minutes after the break, a penalty try was awarded when Chris Kuridrani tipped away Mitchell Drummond’s pass to Bridge, who was waiting on the left wing to touch down.
Richie MoUnga, who came on at half-time at fly-half for Ben Volavola, notched the conversion from under the posts.
Bridge scored again on the stroke of three-quarter time, latching on to MoUnga’s grubber kick in the in-goal area after concerted pressure from the Crusaders.
Five minutes later, the winger weaved inside two would-be tacklers before scoring, after another pass from MoUnga.
Taufau dived over with six minutes remaining, and MoUnga converted for a fourth time, later adding a penalty to cap a performance that suggests he may have a lead on Volavola for the right to succeed Dan Carter in the Crusaders’ number ten jersey.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.