Reds snap 25-year drought in Christchurch to beat Crusaders as Wilson, Ryan star

04/05/2024 08:31

The Queensland Reds have snapped a 25-year drought in Christchurch, holding on to beat the Crusaders 33-28 on Saturday afternoon.

With the scores locked at 21-all midway through the second half, Harry Wilson charged David Havili's attempted clearing kicking away and picked up the scraps to score after 61 minutes.

Then, Super Rugby rookie Tim Ryan continued his stellar start to his career by scoring his second try as he stormed onto a clever kick behind the Crusaders defence to score and give the Reds a 33-21 lead.

Sevu Reece scored in the 74th minute to give the home crowd some late hope, but some last ditched defence saw Les Kiss' men seal a memorable win across the ditch.

The victory was the Reds' second upset victory over New Zealand opposition – and third in total – this year having knocked over the Chiefs and Highlanders at home. It also came off the back of their heartbreaking defeat to the Blues last week in Brisbane.

More to come