Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga grabbed two tries in a flawless 23-point game as the Crusaders stormed into the Super Rugby semifinals with a 38-14 hiding of the Highlanders in Christchurch on Friday.
With a breathtaking blend of defensive grunt and attacking inspiration, the double defending champions kept their perfect home record in playoffs intact and extended their unbeaten winning streak at Rugby League Park to 29 matches.
They will return to the venue to meet the winner of the Hurricanes.
And captain Sam Whitelock says: “We knew it was going to be tough, quarterfinals are always tough.
“We knew these guys were going to try to pin us down in our own half... we want to pressure every team right across the board.
“To get the win is what you need and we got it.”
Crusaders
Tries: David Havili, Richie Mo’unga (2), Whetu Douglas and Michael Alaalatoa;
Conversions: Mo’unga (5);
Penalty: Mo’unga.
Highlanders
Tries: Sio Tomkinson and Teihorangi Walden;
Conversions: Josh Ioane (2).