Crusaders hammered in emphatic fashion

As declarations of Super Rugby title intent go, they don't get much bolder than the Chiefs' 40-16 thumping of the Crusaders.

Playing with power and a high skill level that the seven-time champions couldn't match, the Chiefs scored five tries to one in a performance which became more lop-sided as the game in Hamilton wore on.



Five-eighth Aaron Cruden kicked 15 points while the man outside him, Sonny Bill Williams, scored their opening try and threw the last pass for two others.

The bonus-point win lifts the Chiefs to 13 points, level atop the standings with the Hurricanes, who share the…