Photo: NZ HeraldThe Crusaders have extended their unbeaten record by humbling the Stormers 57-24 in one of their best performances of the season. Leading 36-3 against the South African conference leaders at halftime, the Stormers came back into the game at AMI Stadium, but the Crusaders out-matched them everywhere, and particularly in terms of physicality and skill level. The Stormers' home victory over the Chiefs a fortnight ago meant the Crusaders went into this match with minds focused. Robert Du Preez's penalty, which opened the scoring, was the Stormers' sole highlight in the first half, the Crusaders responding with a hat-trick from Bridge and two tries from Kieran Read. Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth, the Stormers' skipper, tried his best but he was shunted back mercilessly by a Crusaders team playing with an almost perfect mix of controlled fury and accuracy.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 22, 2017 09:33 UTC