Crusader fly half Mitchell Hunt slotted a penalty after the siren to snatch a 22‑20 win for the Crusaders over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane last night.
Trailing 20‑7 at halftime after losing three players to injury, the Crusaders rallied brilliantly to keep the Reds scoreless after the break and maintain their perfect record after three rounds of the season.
The Crusaders were down to 14 men in the 68th minute after loose forward Jordan Taufua was sin‑binned for a light punch on Reds lock Rob Simmons but replacement scrumhalf Bryn Hall's second try gave them visitors hope with four minutes to play.
Hunt converted Hall's try to bring the Crusaders within a point and the Reds crumbled under pressure.
The Crusaders had a nightmare start with playmaker Israel Dagg, winger Seta Tamanivalu and flanker Pete Samu all forced off the pitch with minor injuries.
Samu Kerevi and Eto Nabuli scored a try each for the Reds.
The Highlanders also held off late pressure to beat the Blues 16‑12 in their third‑round Super Rugby clash in Auckland.
In other match results, the Chiefs beat the Hurricanes 26-18, Brumbies defeated Western Force 25-17, Stormers thrashed the Kings 41-10, Cheetahs beat the Sunwolves 38-31 and Sharks beat the Waratahs 37-14.
The Jaguares are currently playing the Lions.
