The Crusaders exacted some revenge for their 2011 Super Rugby final loss to the Queensland Reds with a gripping 15-11 round 11 victory in Christchurch on Sunday.
The Reds scored the only try in the opening minute but paid the price for a string of ruck penalties as the lead changed five times in front of a capacity crowd of 18,000 at Rugby League Park.
Rising Crusaders five-eighth Tom Taylor kicked five penalty goals from six attempts, including two three-pointers in the last eight minutes, to seal a crucial four points.
Queensland gained a bonus point for the loss but they now sit nine points behind the Brumbies in the Australian conference and ninth on the overall standings.
With Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching on in his old stomping ground, the Reds were spirited and appeared to have control of the match in the 61st minute when they hit the lead 11-9 and the Crusaders had a man in the sin bin.
But All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw had a major impact off the bench as the home side started winning more of the breakdown penalties whistled by referee Bryce Lawrence.
Young stand-out flanker Liam Gill and reserve winger were both pinged by Lawrence, who also controlled last year’s 18-13 final win by Queensland, in their own quarter for Taylor to kick the Crusaders home.
Wearing traditional red and black Canterbury hoops, the Crusaders scrum also produced a demolition job on the visitors pack after the Reds jumped out of the blocks.
Wallabies centre Anthony Faingaa made his presence felt in his first run-on start in 10 weeks by charging down Andy Ellis from the kick-off.
Less than a minute later Reds hooker James Hanson barged over for a 5-0 lead.
Queensland continued to take an attacking intent, running the ball within their own half, but were punished for costly penalties at the scrum and breakdown to trail 6-5 at halftime.
Faingaa was a thorn in the Crusaders backline with his fast-rushing defence throughout and kept destructive dangerman Robbie Fruean quiet in the midfield, while Digby Ioane was dangerous each time he touched the ball.
Queensland weren’t helped by first half facial injuries to in-form No.8 Scott Higginbotham (eye) and playmaker Ben Lucas (scalp gash), while goalkicker Mike Harris missed two early shots which proved costly.
The Reds trailed 9-8 and had soaked up a load of pressure midway through the second half before Crockett was yellow-carded for a late shoulder charge on Will Genia, who was in the clear.
Harris slotted the penalty for a two-point lead and the Crusaders scrum ascendency disappeared without their reserve loose-head.