Following the Crusaders’ 25-12 win over the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, Planet Rugby picks out five takeaways from the action.

Difference in class

It is such a difficult result for the Reds to take because they did not play badly at all. In fact, the Queenslanders started very well and held possession and territory in the opening quarter but could not capitalise.

Even beyond then, the Reds played hard and did their best to stay in the game, but ultimately the Crusaders kept them at arm’s length. The Christchurch men are so cool and composed when under the pump as they absorb and wait for their turn. When they get that turn, they strike almost inevitably.

Even with a hoard of stars missing, the champions got the job done. It underlined the depth of the squad and how well-drilled the wider group of players is. Crusaders rugby is a celebration of quality, and although the Reds fell short on the night, there are a lot of positives to take home.

Leicester Fainga’anuku puts his hand up again

The wing really is rampant at the moment and now has seven tries in his last four games as he issued a strong reminder of his quality to the All Blacks management. The injury to teammate Sevu Reece has opened up a seat on the plane to France, and Fainga’anuku is looking to snatch it.

His work rate is impressive, he can be seen in the midfield at times looking for the ball, as he did in his try where he made mincemeat of the final defender.

It is a pleasure to watch Fainga’anuku go about his work at the moment, and the Crusaders will continue pushing him on.

Crusaders youth shows great potential

With several stars out, two young players had their first Super Rugby Pacific starts and showed their worth.

Scrum-half Noah Hotham put in a promising shift. He looked sharp from the base, his distribution was up to standard, and he was key in setting up a try for fellow debut starter Dom Gardiner who sparkled in the second-row. Ultimately the starlet’s performance alongside Richie Mo’unga was promising.

Meanwhile, Gardiner covered just about every blade of grass in a classic hard-working second-row’s performance. He is physical and loves to carry but is also clever in his decision-making. A real star for the future.

Reds and Rugby Australia cannot let Harry Wilson go

The leading carrier in the competition extended his lead with a mammoth 15 in this match. Wilson is possibly one of the hardest workers in world rugby right now on both sides of the ball, as his 10 tackles suggest. One of which was a try-saver, forcing a knock-on in the corner.

Alarmingly for the Reds and Rugby Australia, Wilson could leave next season as his current deal expires this year. To be frank, it would be shocking business to let a player of his calibre go.

Wilson has so much potential with that incredible work-rate at any level of the game.

Jordie Petaia has potential on the wing

Another positive for the Reds and possibly Eddie Jones’ Wallabies is the performance of Petaia on the wing, who scored a try after running onto a clever grubber.

Outside of the try, he was brilliant, showcasing his kicking ability whilst making 89 metres in an impressive 14 carries. He looked lively and searched for work. His robust nature is such an asset out wide, and his contributions in back play promising.

Having a star like Petaia on the wing goes a long way in providing balance in the back-three simply because of how comprehensive his skill-set is.

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The article Super Rugby Pacific: Five takeaways from Reds v Crusaders including Leicester Fainga’anuku barging down the front door appeared first on Planetrugby.com.