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May 08, 2009
The Crusaders' Super 14 semi-final hopes have been boosted by a 32-12 victory over injury-ravaged Queensland in Christchurch.
The result propelled the defending champions into the top four.
Missing 10 of their best players, the Reds were unable to prevent the Crusaders scoring a valuable four-try bonus point which makes it tougher for the NSW Waratahs and Brumbies to make the play-offs.
The defending champions started the penultimate round equal with New South Wales and the Brumbies on 32 points, three behind the Sharks, but Friday night's win lifts them to provisional fourth and gives them a superior for and against (+31) to the Australian sides.
The Crusaders, who led 20-0 at half-time, scored five tries to two in a dominant performance but were unable to take full advantage of one of the most inexperienced Queensland teams fielded in Super history.
The outclassed Reds scored two late tries to debutant centre Ben Tapuai and fellow reserve Greg Holmes to add some respectability to the scoreline.
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html