‘We Must Take Responsibility’: Reds Overwhelmed as Kiwis Avoid Alarming 25-Year Low

The Reds faced a stark reality check in Christchurch on Sunday, as the Crusaders delivered a stunning performance, defeating Queensland 43-19 under the afternoon sun.

Fullback Will Jordan and winger Sevu Reece each scored twice for the dominant Crusaders, who were seeking redemption after their previous defeat to the Reds on home turf during last year’s tumultuous season.

For Queensland, this marked their first loss of the season, reportedly dropping them to fifth place in the highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific standings.

The Crusaders’ victory also ensured that New Zealand avoided an unusual round four statistic.

A win for the Reds would have meant for the second time in competition history that Kiwi teams all ended the weekend without a victory.

In 2000, New Zealand teams went winless in round 12, yet that same year saw the Crusaders claim the championship.

Reds coach Les Kiss expressed disappointment in his team’s performance but also shared a heartfelt message regarding the concerns back home: “We would have preferred to deliver a stronger performance. Our thoughts have been with the guys all week. While the cyclone hasn’t had a disastrous impact, there has been considerable concern for people back home. Thankfully, everyone seems safe and sound.”

Queensland sought to engage in a fast-paced, offloading style, but the Crusaders proved to be far superior in execution.

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Although the Reds appeared threatening with ball in hand, their decision-making often left much to be desired.

Queensland’s playmaker Tom Lynagh was a late withdrawal on game day, having initially been named on the bench.

“We need to be more pragmatic,” Kiss noted. “When we reach the A zone on their try line, we can be a bit careless, and before we know it, they’re scoring at the other end. We had an opportunity around the 60-minute mark to apply pressure, but we turned the ball over two or three times. Errors like that definitely cost us, and against the Crusaders, you cannot afford to let them capitalise on mistakes — they made us pay today.”

The Crusaders now hold a 2-1 record, sitting ahead of the Reds in the standings by points differential.

“I want my players to display skill, but they also need to be pragmatic,” Kiss elaborated. “We must retain the ball longer and select the right kicking options; however, today we were a bit loose. Despite turning possession in our favour, we didn’t take full advantage of it.”

Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson, and Lachie Anderson found the try line for the Reds, but they struggled to contain the exceptional Jordan.

“He consistently creates opportunities,” Kiss remarked.

Co-captain Tate McDermott described the defeat as “deeply disappointing,” acknowledging that they were “truly our own worst enemies.”

With little time to dwell on the loss, they’ll need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the unbeaten NSW Waratahs at home in Brisbane on Saturday.

Last year’s wooden spooners, the Waratahs have emerged as the only undefeated team in the competition.

“We must take ownership of our errors, but it’s not the end of the world; it’s a small margin,” McDermott concluded.

“I recognise the scoreboard may seem overwhelming, but a couple of easy fixes regarding our breakaway tries are within our grasp.” McDermott added. “In the last three matches, we’ve struggled to maintain control when in possession. We need to tighten our play because the Waratahs are flying high, boasting a perfect record and showing high-quality rugby.”

Crusaders 43 (Reece 2, Jordan 2, Grace, Lio-Willie, Aumua tries; Kemara 3 conversions, O’Connor conversion) Reds 19 (Daugunu, Wilson, Anderson tries; McLaughlin-Phillips 2 conversions)