Reds Rout Crusaders : Queensland Reds skipper James Horwill led .

Queensland Reds skipper James Horwill led his side to a 42-15 trialmatch victory ended the Crusaders in his 1st game since a devastatingknee injury ended his 2010 season early.

The 24-Test Wallaby gave a tight performance despite fumbling hisfirst touch of the globe as his side dominated the New Zealanders inCairns.

Horwill was constrained to sit out most of the Reds` 2010 Super 14 seasonafter a circle two injury left him needing a knee reconstruction.

In his absence replacement skipper Will Genia led the perennialunderachievers to their best flavor in years, finishing just short of afairytale finals berth.

His impressive personal performance and skilled leadership led tospeculation he may be maintained as captain in 2011 but coach EwenMackenzie opted to reestablish the damaging Wallabies forward at the helm.

The Reds` hopes of construction on their surprising 2010 performanceappeared well founded on Saturday night as the side walked all over theKiwi powerhouse.

Flanker Radike Samo put the Reds on the room early after crossingthe line at the 12 minute mark followed by Will Chambers and then SaiaFaingaa just minutes later.

From there the New Zealanders struggled to get support in the game,although a penalty kick from Flyhalf Tyler Bleyendaal put them on theboard before halftime.

The Queenslanders dominated again in the 2nd half with tries toBeau Robinson, Digby Ioane and Mike Harris, although Crusaders flankerGeorge Whitelock and centre Robbie Fruean also crossed for the Kiwis.

The Reds will have on the Brumbies in Darwin next weekend in theirfinal trial match ahead of the first of the Super Rugby season.

McKenzie praised his captain`s successful issue to the game.

"He had a serious impact on the game, his lineout work was impeccable,kick off etc so it was like he hadn`t missed a beat," he told reporters.

"I remember a lot of mass were hoping he`d make a successful comeback and he`s done that."

Mackenzie was likewise impressed with the team`s new recruits.

"We were pleased with some of the guys we`ve recruited, they`ve mixed in good and made a really successful contribution."

Scorers:

Reds - Tries: Radike Samo, Will Chambers,Saia Faingaa, Digby Ione, Beau Robinson, Mike Harris. Conversions: Quade Cooper(3), Mike Harris (3).

Crusaders - Tries: Robbie Fruean, George Whitelock. Penalty: Tyler Bleyendaal. Conversion: Adam Whitelock.

AAP