28 Apr 2012

Reds post first-ever win at Eden Park

2:31 pm on 28 April 2012

The Queensland Reds sit second on the Australian Super Rugby conference for now, while the Blues are yet to post a win at Eden Park this season and remain dead last on the table, following Friday night's 23-11 defeat to the defending champions at what was once their fortress in Auckland.

The Reds stormed out to a 12-0 lead in the first eight minutes and never looked back, inflicting the Blues' eighth loss in nine matches.

The Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is looking up the ladder now with five wins from nine games. McKenzie says it's good to clock up a win in their first game against a New Zealand side, and to make history with their first-ever win over the Blues at Eden Park.

The Reds face a grand final rematch against the Crusaders on Sunday week in Christchurch, and can now sit back and see how their neighbours and rivals from New South Wales fare against their next opponents, when the Waratahs take on the Crusaders in Sydney.

The visitors are heavily favoured to beat the Waratahs, so the Reds could well stay on track for a playoff place if the Waratahs fail to secure a bonus point.

The ACT Brumbies continue to lead the Australian conference after a 32-20 win over the Lions in Johannesburg Saturday morning.