Reds beat Crusaders to break 25-year Christchurch drought

In another blow to the Crusaders' hopes of defending their title, the Australian visitors scored five tries to four, including the double to 20-year-old flyer Ryan.

His second propelled the Reds 12 points clear entering the final quarter and the Crusaders couldn't haul them back, despite a late try to winger Sevu Reece.

Ryan, who scored a hat-trick of tries on debut in last week's 41-34 loss to the Blues, was dangerous throughout as the Reds notched a fifth win from 10 matches to climb to fifth in the standings.

Reds captain Liam Wright said his team were full of resolve after a number of narrow defeats this season.

"It's massive, the boys really banded together after a season full of close losses," Wright said.

"We did a great job to hold on, there were some big moments there by key players."

The first loss at home to Queensland since 1999 was also the eighth defeat of the season for the Crusaders, who languish in 10th place with four rounds remaining.

They again paid for a high error count and for untimely injuries, with All Blacks loose forward Ethan Blackadder having been ruled out before kickoff and captain Scott Barrett exiting in the early stages.

Outstanding flanker Fraser McReight and Ryan crossed early for the Reds before Dallas McLeod reduced the scoreline to 14-7 at the interval.

The home side levelled at 21-21 following tries to forwards Corey Kellow and Quinten Strange, but the Reds led again when Harry Wilson charged down a clearance from fly-half David Havili and scored.

Long-serving Wales Test fullback Leigh Halfpenny made a low-key competition debut for the Crusaders and was replaced soon after half-time.

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