Crusaders

Sevu Reece scored two of the Crusaders' nine tries during this rout in the Garden City.

The Crusaders will remain there if the Blues (50) beat or draw with the Brumbies (43) in Canberra on Saturday night. Like elite athletes at their peak, our sports journalists are highly trained in the art of news. A nice way to drop the curtain. So we're asking you to support us with more than your attention. The Crusaders didn't dither. You can't complain when a team scores this many tries.

The Crusaders have put their Super Rugby Pacific rivals on notice with a ruthless win over the Fijian Drua to strengthen their hold on second place.

But we'll finish off against the Chiefs and come back stronger next year." "You never forget those sorts of games. The Crusaders have put their Super Rugby Pacific rivals on notice with a ruthless win over the Fijian Drua to strengthen their hold on second place.

Christchurch turned on a crisp evening far removed from Fiji's tropical climate and the Crusaders showed the Drua no warmth as their expected mismatch ...

In the years to come the Drua will, perhaps, edge closer and hopefully become more competitive against Super Rugby Pacific's elite teams. From second five or centre, Goodhue performs simple skills so effectively he is easy to overlook at times. The result, though, will be extremely valuable for Scott Robertson's men.

40+1' NEARLY NUMBER FIVE! They bounced it out to the right off the lineout, with Ennor dragging a few as he came across field. He freed Reece toward the corner ...

Christie was the man on the end of the chain, spinning through a couple to score in the corner. He cleared from the box, leaving it infield for Ravtaumada. He bombed back and it was an awkward one over the top of Hall! He ran back into the 22, diving to take it well for a mark. It came left for Fainga'anuku to carry, with a good run-up to the 5m line. Fihaki looked to clear up the line, but he sent it out on the full! He had it stolen, with the Crusaders shifting out to the right! Hickey pins to touch on the 10m line. 62' BRIDGE CROSSES FOR THE SEVENTH! They had to be patient after it broke down off the lineout, rumbling right on the cusp of the line. Hickey pins to touch on the 10m line. 62' BRIDGE CROSSES FOR THE SEVENTH! They had to be patient after it broke down off the lineout, rumbling right on the cusp of the line. It was sent through the hands, with Christie on the end of the queue to score in the corner. It came to nothing though, so they will go back for a scrum on the 10m line. Pumped into touch on the 22m line.

This could have been as pretty as an overflowing ashtray. Instead, the Crusaders delivered a large bouquet ...

A nice way to drop the curtain. It began with left wing Leicester Fainga'anuku, who was bristling with power and balance on attack and surely deserves to have a few extra ticks beside his name when it comes to All Blacks selection, providing an appetising starter when he scored in the left pocket in the opening minutes. Because how many times have we watched a top side fail to produce a clinical performance in a game they should win in a canter, especially when they leave a bunch of their best players in the grandstand?

The Crusaders eased to a 61-3 victory over the Fijian Drua at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Friday, running in nine tries in total.

Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific The Crusaders eased to a 61-3 win over the Fijian Drua at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Friday, running in nine tries in total. Super Rugby Pacific highlights: Crusaders claim nine-try win over Fijian Drua

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — The Christchurch-based Crusaders scored nine tries in a comprehensive 61-3 win over the Fijian Drua on Friday to take ...

Moana Pasifika lost for the 11th time in 12 games. The Crusaders’ lineup was under-strength and contained many new phases but still found continuity on attack. “They were difficult conditions against a hungry Fijian Drua side, though I guess the scoreboard doesn’t reflect that.” They carried the ball strongly into contact and ran Crusaders’ kicks well out of defense. Most of their tries were scored wide out, making Burke’s kicking duties much tougher. Winger Sevu Reece and flanker Tom Christie scored two tries each.

The Crusaders' ruthless win over the Fijian Drua strengthens their hold on second place in Super Rugby Pacific.

Fraser McReight soon gave Queensland their first lead of the night after Josh Flook pounced on a deep McDermott kick and linked with the chasing backrower. Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds have snapped a four-game losing streak with a 34-22 win over Moana Pasifika in Brisbane. Moana Pasifika opened the scoring with a Solomone Funaki try, but Queensland hit back quickly through Campbell.

Even missing a host of key players through injury and rotation, it took the Crusaders just minutes to open the scoring in front of their home fans after a month ...