Crusaders crush Reds in bid for Super 15 title
Christchurch side run up 38 points, including four tries, with flyhalf Dan Carter leading way
Flyhalf Dan Carter scored a try among 20 points as the Crusaders beat the Queensland Reds 38-9 in the Super 15 quarter-finals yesterday to edge closer to their first Super Rugby title since 2008.
Carter scored the second of four tries by the Christchurch-based Crusaders and kicked three conversions and three penalties - six goals from eight attempts - to reward his team's physical domination of the Reds, who were champions two years ago.
The Crusaders will play either the Hamilton-based Chiefs or Pretoria-based Bulls in next weekend's semi-finals depending on the outcome of today's match between the ACT Brumbies and Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs.
If the third-ranked Brumbies beat the sixth-ranked Cheetahs, the Crusaders will play defending champions the Chiefs. But if the Cheetahs win they will travel to South Africa to play the Bulls, who are two-time champions.
The Crusaders will face either of those assignments with confidence after yesterday's comprehensive win. From the start they physically overpowered the Reds in every area.
"That was pretty pleasing," Crusaders captain Kieran Read said. "I guess it's good to hit your straps at this time of year. It was a great start from our guys which set the tone pretty early and it continued on from there.