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Queensland Reds
12
Match Complete
Crusaders
25
| 64 |  | R. Mo'unga | ||
| J. Petaia |  | 59 | ||
| 54 |  | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 53 | | W. Heinz | ||
| I. Henry | | 32 | ||
| T. McDermott | | 32 | ||
| 29 | | D. Gardiner | ||
| 22 | | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 21 | | L. Fainga'anuku | ||
| 17 | | R. Mo'unga |
| 2 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Reds hosts the Crusaders Friday evening at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:35pm (AEDT).
The Reds have not defeated the Crusaders since the Reds’ outside centre Josh Flook was nine years old in the 2011 Super Rugby final. The Reds almost beat the Canterbarians in 2017 under Nick Stiles, and 2020 under Brad Thorn. The Crusaders are fielding a weaker side today. So there is a chance for an upset.
The Crusaders had a weak start of the season, seemingly because they are saving their big guns for the big games. This backfired against them on a couple occasions, including trouncing by the competition leaders, the Chiefs, in round one. But they seem to be on a roll, winning two in a row. Another big factor is injuries with more than a dozen players injured.
The Reds lost a close match against the Rebels last week. Today, there seems little hope or expectation against the Kiwis. But it was the same for the Fijians earlier this season, who bested the Crusaders at home. Can the Reds turn things around today?
Last week, the Crusaders scored more than twice than the Canberran visitors who opted not to send a raft of their first-tier players to New Zealand. The Crusaders’ highly skilled and industrious player makers and backrow managing the game almost perfectly. This includes dealing with a resurgent Brumbies in the second half.
Today is expected to be typical Brisbane autumn weather around 22 degrees, possibly some precipitation. This will not stop the attack-oriented approach from both teams. The warmer climate should be to the advantage of the Queenslanders. It would be their job to take that advantage, especially when the heat is on the second half.
With exception of the first game, the Crusaders have scored lots of points in attack this season. In the past few seasons of victories against the Reds it has been big points, reaching up to 63 points in 2011 against the Super Rugby AU champions of that year.
The Queensland attack of late has been good – against non-Kiwi teams. What can we expect from the Reds? They have a great set of players who can score from anywhere. But they can only do so, if they win the breakdowns. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of improvement in this area, so far.
The breakdown is also where the Reds defence gets broken down. Under manned rucks lead to turnovers which lead to counter attack against disorganised defensive lines; emphasis on the plural word lines, which leads to many points leaked against Kiwi teams. It’s “groundhog day”. I am certain the Queensland coaches and players are more acutely aware of it. But what will they do about it? What can they do about it?
The forwards battle will be interesting. Other than the loose scrums, the scrums itself will be an interesting event. But the Crusaders forwards are more grizzled than the Reds. If the Reds want to win, they want to out-grizzle their opponents – not out-sizzle. There is no place for fancy play in this match, especially in the opening stanza.
The backs from both sides are fantastic. But this match will be decided by how good the pack is, which of their attackers they can unleash. Also I think Richie Mo’uagna has an edge of his opponents tonight and will play a heavy role in his teams scoring fortunes.
Prediction
Crusaders win.
Game information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:35 (AEDT)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Reds $3.55, Crusaders $1.30 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Taj Annan, Mac Grealy.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Dom Gardiner, Sione Havili-Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Enner, Pepesana Patafilo, Fergus Burke.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Willi Heinz, Will Gualter, Chay Fihaki.
Referee: Damon Murphy
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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.