Victory for Crusaders and Highlanders, loss for Hurricanes

Crusaders Dan Carter breaks past Blues Carlos Spencer. Picture / Fotopress

The Crusaders were the pick of the Super 12 crop with their crushing win over the Blues at Eden Park last night.

The visitors stormed to a 41-19 victory, their third win in four matches.

The Crusaders ran in six tries to three, including five in the first half as they took a commanding 34-nil lead at the break.

Overnight, the Highlanders beat the Sharks 43-7 in Durban.

Meanwhile, the Waratahs have made it four wins from four this season, with a 25-10 victory over the Stormers in Sydney.

The Brumbies also have four wins after beating the Cats 34-29 in Johannesburg.

The Hurricanes have suffered their first loss of the season, slumping to a surprise 21-12 defeat to the Bulls in Wellington.

IN their match, the Blues claimed second half honours, running in three tries to one, but it was all too little too late.

Caleb Ralph scored a double for the Crusaders while Justin Marshall, Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald also crossed the line.

Joe Rokocoko, Isa Nacewa and Doug Howlett scored the consolation tries for the hosts.

In Wellington, The Hurricanes got off to a slow start, trailing the visitors 9-nil at halftime.

Akona Ndungane and Ettienne Botha scored tries for the visitors

Hosea Gear and Joe McDonnell crossed for the Hurricanes.

The victory marks the Bulls' first win of the season.

Coach Colin Cooper said they are not going to make excuses for their slump in form.

He said jet lag is not an acceptable excuse for not performing as travelling is part of the competition and needs to be dealt with.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD STAFF