Match Details

The Crusaders (NZ) have blown away last year’s Investec Super 14 champions the Bulls, 50-19, in Pretoria overnight.

The Bulls kicking dominated early and they raced out to a 12-0 lead with four Derrick Hougaard penalties after 20 minutes.

But the “Crusade” was launched in the final 10 minutes of the half when a deft pass from Dan Carter found Stephen Brett to dive over. Carter scored the conversion.

A Carter penalty narrowed the gap to two before the Crusaders broke through again with Andy Ellis combining well with Richie McCaw and Brett to give the Christchurch-based team a 17-12 lead at the break.

The Crusaders continued the pressure in the second half and McCaw extended the lead with a driving run, after more good work from Ellis.

Another two penalties to Dan Carter left the Bulls with a mountain to climb at 30-12 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

With the Crusaders now rampant they secured a deserved bonus point when young Kade Poki beat a couple of defenders to score.

Further tries to Nasi Manu, Carter and fullback leon MacDonald ended the rout.

Crusaders 54 (Brett, Ellis, McCaw, Poki, Manu, Carter, MacDonald tries; Carter 5 cons, 3 pens) defeated Bulls 19 (Nel try; Steyn con, Hougaard 4 pens)