'We have to own that': Reds ripped to shreds as Kiwis dodge shock 25-year low

The Reds were slapped with a harsh reality check in Christchurch on Sunday as the Crusaders got revenge on Queensland with a 43-19 masterclass of running rugby in the afternoon sun.

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan and winger Sevu Reece both grabbed doubles for the rampant hosts, who had lost to the Reds on home soil during last year's dramatic fall from grace.

It was Queensland's first loss of the season as Les Kiss' side dropped to fifth on a highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

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The Crusaders win meant New Zealand avoided an unwanted statistic in round four.

A Reds victory would have seen the Kiwi teams go through a weekend winless for only the second time in competition history.

NZ went 0-5 in round 12 in 2000 in a year that the Crusaders still managed to win the title.

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"We would have liked to put on a better performance for sure," Reds coach Kiss said, before delivering a classy message to his state.

"Our thoughts have been with the guys all week. It hasn't been that terrible back there in terms of the cyclone coming in, but there was a lot of concern here for people back home and thankfully everyone seems to be safe and sound now."

Queensland were happy to engage in a high tempo, offloading game but the Crusaders were simply better at it.

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The Reds often looked dangerous with ball in hand but some of their decision making left plenty to be desired.

Queensland playmaker Tom Lynagh - who had been named on the bench - was a late withdrawal on game day.

"We've got to be more pragmatic at times," Kiss admitted.

"We get down in the A zone on their try line and we're a bit loose, and suddenly they're down scoring a try...

"Around the 60 minute mark we had a chance to probably establish the pressure up here, and we turned the ball over two or three times.

"Just some loose stuff like that is costing us for sure. The Crusaders on this turf, you do that, they're going to hurt you, and they did hurt us today."

The Crusaders now also have a 2-1 record and sit above the Reds in fourth place on points differential.

"I want the boys to be skillful, but you also have to be pragmatic," Kiss explained.

"We need to hold onto the ball a bit longer, and then find the right kick option from there, but we were just probably a little bit loose at times. Today we turned the tables of possession, but we just didn't make the most of what we had."

Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson and Lachie Anderson scored tries for the Reds, who didn't have an answer for the outstanding Jordan.

"He just makes those things happen," Kiss said.

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott, meanwhile, described the loss as "incredibly disappointing" and declared they were "our own worst enemies."

But there's little time to stew as they return home to host the 3-0 NSW Waratahs in Brisbane on Saturday.

Last year's wooden spooners, the Waratahs are now the only unbeaten team left in the competition.

"We have to own that but it's not the end of the world, there's not much in it," McDermott said.

"I know there's a lot on the scoreboard, but a couple of breakaway tries are easy fixes for us.

"The past three games we've been a little bit too loose with the ball-in-hand and we've got to make sure we tidy that up because the Waratahs are three from three and they're playing some good footy."

Crusaders 43 (Reece 2, Jordan 2, Grace, Lio-Willie, Aumua tries; Kemara 3 con, O'Connor con) Reds 19 (Daugunu, Wilson, Anderson tries; McLaughlin-Phillips 2 con)