Crusaders' revival leaves Reds limping

The Crusaders cranked up their Super 12 preparations and left a Queensland casualty ward in their wake after muscling to a crushing 48-19 trial victory in Brisbane.

Off-key in their previous trial matches against the Highlanders and Waratahs, the Crusaders improved significantly at Ballymore against a Reds side on a high after wins against the Brumbies and New South Wales.

The Crusaders scored twice in the first seven minutes and forged a 21-point lead before makeshift fullback Daniel Carter mercilessly extended the margin further with a 26th-minute penalty goal.

The Reds responded with a Junior Pelesasa try, but a freakish try from Caleb Ralph after the halftime siren, scored when Julian Huxley knocked the ball out of the hands of a showboating Reuben Thorne in the in-goal, put the contest beyond reach at 31-7.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was delighted with his side's performance, particularly after last week's 14-39 loss to the Waratahs.

"We were looking for a polished performance. We talked about how this win was important to us when we have the Brumbies next week.

"We started doing some things we've paid lip-service to. There were better decisions, a bit more cohesion all round," said Deans.

The Crusaders have one fresh injury concern after the six-tries-to-three triumph - All Black hooker Corey Flynn strained a hamstring and will be assessed when the team return to Christchurch today.

Queensland fared far worse 10 days out from their round-one appointment with the Hurricanes.

Medical staff will assess at least nine players, including Wallabies duo Chris Latham and Elton Flatley.

Latham is causing the most concern after he left the field with a sprained ankle. Flatley suffered a knock to the knee that he injured in Europe last year.

The Reds also lost Tim Atkinson (dislocated shoulder), Josh Valentine (rib cartilage), Drew Mitchell and Steve Kefu (head knocks), as well as Julian Huxley, David Croft and Ben Tune (severe cramps).

Coach Jeff Miller was left searching for answers over how his side could suffer so many casualties less than a fortnight from the start of the Super 12.

- NZPA