The Reds will be looking to end their horrendous run of form against New Zealand sides and book a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch this Friday.
Check out our other Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final previews by clicking below:
Standing in the men from Queensland’s way is a well-oiled machine. The Crusaders are the most successful side in the history of Super Rugby. Can the Reds pull off the unthinkable or will the Crusaders ensure the play-offs get underway according to script?
Crusaders vs Reds | Friday 3 June 2022 | Orangetheory Stadium | 09:05
To Win Match
Crusaders 1/14 | Draw 40/1 | Reds 7/1
Handicap
Crusaders (-) 9/10 | Reds (+) 9/10
Some strange old things have happened in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season but a win for the Reds in a knock-out game against the Crusaders would be right up there with things we were sure we wouldn’t lay witness to.
The odds are heavily stacked against the visitors who have been given a points head start in the high teens. So, the bookies are confident this will not be the Reds’ day. As much is fair enough considering Brad Thorn’s side haven’t beaten a Kiwi team all season.
If Thorn’s men are to overcome the odds then they need their big guns firing Unfortunately for the former All Black and his charges Wallabies James O’Connor and Taniela Tupou are sidelined for the remainder of the season.
There is some good news for the visitors as Wallaby centre, Hunter Paisami, will make his return from a shoulder injury.
While the return of Paisami is a huge shot in the arm for the Reds, the Crusaders have managed one better with talismanic All Black fly-half Richie Mo’unga back in time for Friday’s quarter-final.
The Crusaders are a far better side when he is on the field and if I was having a bet on who would end this game as man of the match, my money would be on the Crusader’s 10.
In a touch of irony, these two sides actually squared off last weekend, with the Crusaders running out 28-15 victors. It was a rather scrappy affair with both teams coughing up countless scoring opportunities. Expect both teams to be far more clinical this week.
Verdict: Reds (+)
While I don’t think the Reds will really test their hosts, I can see this game being a lot tighter than the handicap suggests. As such, I’m leaning on the Queenslanders on the plus.
