Crusaders too good for clumsy Reds as Petaia, Wright star to push Wallabies credentials

Eddie Jones will have to wait for some success against New Zealand opposition. The scoreboard ticked over to 9-1 in the Kiwis’ favour after the injury-plagued Crusaders proved too strong for a clumsy Queensland Reds side in Brisbane.

The Crusaders, missing half-a-dozen Test stars including Sam Whitelock, won 25-12 but the scoreline didn’t quite tell the whole story with the Reds guilty of blowing a number of tries and attacking movements.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Jones, who will announce his first Wallabies squad on Sunday.

Jordan Petaia scored a second half try against the Crusaders but it wasn’t enough for the Reds in Brisbane. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Jordan Petaia delivered one of his best performances on either side of the ball while back-row trio Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Liam Wright were outstanding.

Wright particularly delivered an eye-catching performance that will not have gone unnoticed. The co-captain and blindside flanker made two steals at the lineout and was strong over the ball.

It wouldn’t surprise if Jones asked to see Wright’s height because it could be a useful trait later in the year. For the record, he’s 192cm.

Even Tate McDermott took a strong step forward, with the zippy halfback showing what he can do with space around the rucks and in the open.

But for all the positives, Brad Thorn will be ruing what could have been.

From kicks not finding touch to balls crossing the sideline, the home side burned several opportunities to put the Crusaders under pressure.

In contrast, Scott Robertson’s side managed to take their chances in the first-half to open up a 15-7 lead, before effectively sealing the match by scoring in the 53rd minute through former England halfback Willi Heinz.

The Reds attempted to throw some late punches and even scored through Petaia to give them a late sniff, but more clumsy handling saw the visitors extend their decade-long unbeaten streak in Brisbane.

More to come…