The Crusaders have kept their hopes of defending their Super 14 rugby title alive but failed to take full advantage of an injury-ravaged Queensland in Christchurch on Friday night.
The Reds, missing 10 of their regular starters, were outscored five tries to two in a dominant performance, going down 32-12 on a cold, slippery night at AMI Stadium.
The Crusaders led 20-0 at half-time and secured the vital four-try bonus point which lifted them to provisional fourth place on the congested ladder in the 46th minute when hooker Jason Macdonald finished some enterprising play in the right corner.
