The Crusaders ran rampant with five second half tries to storm to a 44-13 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin and top the New Zealand Super Rugby conference.
The Highlanders held their own in a tight first 40 minutes at Carisbrook before tries from Kieran Read, Kahn Fotuali'i, Wyatt Crockett and a brace from Israel Dagg took the game away from them.
It was likely to be the final southern Super derby as the new Dunedin stadium comes online for the Rugby World Cup later this year.
The seven-times champions Crusaders have now won their last three matches impressively and head to London for next week's encounter against South Africa's Sharks.
The match will be played at Twickenham to boost finances and raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake, which has forced the Crusaders to play home matches away from their Lancaster Park base.
