The Crusaders seized control of the match just six minutes in with a try from Cullen Grace and never looked back, dominating the Reds with a convincing 43-19 victory.
First-half doubles from Sevu Reece and Will Jordan compounded the Reds’ misery, despite their strong reputation in Super Rugby. The win ensured New Zealand teams avoided a winless weekend and pushed the Crusaders into the top four alongside the Highlanders.
Here are four key takeaways from the Crusaders’ emphatic win over the Reds in Christchurch.
Reds Are Not the Best Team in SRP
Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar claimed his side would face “the best team in the competition” when they take on the Reds next week.
Heading into the match, the Reds led Super Rugby Pacific in key attacking metrics—averaging 42 points per game, six tries per game, and 11.5 offloads per match. Even defensively, they had the highest tackle success rate.
However, McKellar’s statement now seems questionable. Whether he was mistaken or simply trying to pile pressure on his opponents, the Reds failed to live up to that billing.
While injuries may have impacted their squad, the side that was dismantled by the Crusaders certainly didn’t look like the competition’s best. Their scrum crumbled under the pressure of All Blacks front-rowers Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, and Fletcher Newell. Defensively, they were exposed, with only Fraser McReight offering some resistance. Costly errors, including turnovers in the Crusaders’ 22 and poor kicking, further undermined their chances.
By halftime, the contest was effectively over, as Will Jordan’s brace put the Crusaders up 29-7. The high-flying Reds crashed back to Earth in Christchurch.
Kyle Preston – A Future All Black?
Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston dictated play with remarkable poise, showcasing the maturity of a seasoned veteran. He orchestrated the first try with a well-structured build-up before setting up Will Jordan from a scrum with a pinpoint pass. His precise box kicking unsettled Reds fullback Heremaia Murray, and his ability to support inside runs has already yielded four tries this season—three of them coming in his debut against the Hurricanes.
With Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard expected to be two of the All Blacks’ halfbacks, Preston is making a strong case for the third spot. Given Finlay Christie’s struggles with the Blues and TJ Perenara’s absence from selection discussions, Preston is emerging as a genuine All Blacks No.9 contender.
Josh Canham – A Future Wallabies Star?
On a tough night for the Reds, towering lock Josh Canham was a standout performer. The 6’8″, 119kg second-rower displayed impressive athleticism, bursting downfield for a major line break that led to Filipo Daugunu’s try. His blend of power and mobility gives him the skillset of a blindside flanker who plays in the second row.
Defensively, Canham put in a massive shift with 18 tackles, missing just one. He was a reliable lineout option, averaging over six takes per match and securing seven in this game. He also made 11 carries and contributed four offloads.
Having earned his Wallabies debut last year in Argentina, Canham still has just one cap. However, performances like this could put him in contention for the Lions series.
Sevu Reece in World-Class Form
Sevu Reece, the Crusaders’ standout performer last season, continued his dominance with a two-try display against the Reds, reaching 60 Super Rugby career tries—tying Israel Folau for third on the all-time list and inching closer to TJ Perenara’s record.
Despite facing stiff competition for his All Blacks spot, the 28-year-old is producing elite numbers. He leads the competition in offloads (3.5 per game), ranks fourth in defenders beaten, and is second in metres gained per game (148.8).
Paired with Will Jordan, Reece remains a vital component of the Crusaders’ attack. Against the Reds, he not only finished two tries but also added to his season tally of try assists.
With his current form, Reece is making a strong case to remain an integral part of the All Blacks squad.
