6 Jul 2013

Crusaders underline title claims with big win

9:39 am on 6 July 2013

The Crusaders have thrashed the Chiefs 43-15 in a crucial Super Rugby clash in Christchurch.

The victory means the Crusaders join the Chiefs in the playoffs, and also denies the champions the chance to win the New Zealand conference until the final weekend.

The Crusaders led 19-8 at half-time and scored five tries to two with captain Kieran Read collecting a brace and Daniel Carter notching his record 1,500th point in Super Rugby.

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna was issued with an off-field yellow card for dangerously grabbing an opponent without the ball.

Tameifuna put his hand over the face and eyes of his Crusaders opposite Wyatt Crokett in a maul.