Crusaders lose four in a row for first time with Hurricanes defeat

The seven-time defending champion Crusaders couldn't hold on as they crashed to four straight defeats for the first time, heaping more pressure on new coach Rob Penney.

Playing their first match at home in Christchurch after three losses on the road, Penney's team hit the front against the competition leaders in the 71st minute through a penalty to fly-half Riley Hohepa.

However, the Crusaders were reduced to 14 men soon afterwards when reserve lock Jamie Hannah was shown a yellow card.

The Hurricanes swung onto the attack and Sangster powered over for his team's second try, which was converted by Brett Cameron.

Crusaders captain David Havili refused to use his team's long injury list as an excuse.

"We're trying really hard but it's just not sticking," the All Blacks midfield back said.

"We gave ourselves a chance in the contest tonight but we couldn't really finish it off.

"It's frustrating but the boys have to stick tight. We've got a young group turning up giving it a go and that's all we can ask for."

Regular Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett became the team's latest injury casualty when he suffered a fractured finger last weekend.

Barrett was among seven All Blacks the Crusaders had unavailable with injury this week.

The visitors, who have now won four from four, made a fast start, scoring a try through All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax to lead 7-0 at halftime.

Crusaders forward Cullen Grace scored from close range to level the match but they paid for their ill-discipline over the closing stages.

"We know they haven't started the season the way they wanted to but the Crusaders are always a force to be reckoned with," said veteran Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara.

"Winning here hasn't happened a bunch of times so we cherish each time we get one."

In Melbourne, the Queensland Reds scored five first-half tries against a shell-shocked Rebels to lead 33-7 at the break.

The home team woke up in the second half to close the gap, but the Reds finished strongly to secure a commanding 53-26 win, crossing for eight tries to the Rebels' four with centre Josh Flook and flanker Seru Uru both getting two each.

"Really pleased, 53 points away from home is a good result," said Reds co-captain Liam Wright, whose side beat the powerhouse Waikato Chiefs last week and have now won three from four.

"We'll take the result, but still lots to improve on."