The Crusaders spoiled Moana Pasifika’s Round 6 homecoming, running out 50-21 winners at North Harbour Stadium.
Moana fought hard in the opening half despite losing Julian Savea after just four minutes - they trailed 17-14 at oranges before the defending champions shifted gears.
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Rob Penney's side were ruthless in the second 40, scoring five tries to ensure a bonus point result and their first back-to-back wins of 2026.
All Blacks tighthead prop Fletcher Newell was immense in his 50th Crusaders appearance while Sevu Reece extended his lead atop the all-time Super Rugby tries list.
It took just four minutes for Braydon Ennor to open the scoring with a sharp put-down inside the corner post, Reece scoring his 68th competition try shortly after to put the visitors ahead 12-0.
Moana hit back through Tevita Latu, who busted the Crusaders open to lay a platform for Miracle Faiilagi to put Tevita Ofa over untouched after 20 minutes.
Halfback Joel Lam was next to strike, cashing in on a Lalomilo Lalomilo break with Patrick Pelligrini’s conversion handing Moana an unlikely 14-12 lead.
That was to be their last scoring play for almost an hour.
Rookie flyhalf Cooper Grant’s cross kick found an unmarked Chay Fihaki to restore the Crusaders’ lead before half time and the floodgates opened when Leicester Fainga’anuku stormed over with 30 to play.
His was the first of a four-try blitz that included a George Bell double and debutant Kurtis Macdonald dotting down as the margin blew out to 45-12 after 63 minutes.
Moana’s defence stiffened from there but by then the damage was done, Fihaki busting through after 32 phases inside the hosts’ 22m.
The North Harbour crowd went up late as NPC fan favourite Siaosi Nginingini bagged a consolation intercept try, Crusaders holding out for a comfortable 29-point win.
