18 Apr 2010

Understrength Crusaders still too strong for Cheetahs

7:40 am on 18 April 2010

An understrength Crusaders have moved to the top of the Super 14 rugby table after crushing the Cheetahs of South Africa 45-6 in Christchurch.

The Crusaders, without injured All Black first-five Daniel Carter and with several other internationals on the bench or rested by coach Todd Blackadder, moved to 34 points, level with the Bulls, who could only snare a bonus point as they lost 19-12 to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

The Crusaders scored seven tries to the Cheetahs' two penalties.

The Sharks also narrowly beat the Lions 32-28 in Johnannesburg.