Crusaders return to the top of the standings after crushing the Highlanders

The Crusaders went top of the Super Rugby standings following a 33-13 triumph over the Highlanders in Christchurch on Friday.

The champions of the last three seasons ran in three tries inside the opening 26 minutes and had secured a bonus point before half-time.

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Codie Taylor, Tom Christie, Braydon Ennor and George Bridge all went over, with Michael Collins' effort and a Josh Ioane penalty all the Highlanders had to show for their first-half efforts.

The Highlanders trailed 26-8 at the interval and their cause was not helped by Shannon Frizell's sin-binning six minutes into the second half for a tip-tackle on Ennor.

They were still the next to score through Jona Nareki, but Sione Havili dotted down for the Crusaders' fifth try six minutes from time to cap a comfortable victory.

The Crusaders are now unbeaten in their last 33 home games.