WELLINGTON - Seven-times Super Rugby champions the Crusaders recorded their first win from three games this season with an up-tempo 41-19 six-try win over the previously unbeaten Bulls at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.
Backing up after last weekend's 28-21 win over the Blues in Auckland, the Bulls never really threatened as the Crusaders overcame a shaky start to run in three tries in each half for the comprehensive win.
Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean had a nightmare opening 20 minutes, featuring in a succession of handling errors and sloppy passes.
But with frustration mounting, and only an early Dan Carter penalty on the board, the Crusaders finally started to hang onto the ball and build phases.
Crusaders 41 (R. Fruean, K. Read, J. McNicholl, T. Marshall, W. Crockett, W. Heinz tries; D. Carter 4 cons, pen)
Bulls 19 (D. Stegmann try; M. Steyn con, 4 pens).