Reece and Mo'unga help Crusaders tame Bulls

Sevu Reece and Richie Mo'unga starred for the Crusaders as the defending Super Rugby champions stormed to a 45-13 victory over the Bulls.

Fly-half Mo'unga was left out of their draw with the Sharks last week and demonstrated his value with an excellent performance in Pretoria on Friday.

He had two tries inside the first 22 minutes as Crusaders effectively put the game to bed with a first-half blitz.

Mitchell Dunshea crossed before Reece went over for the first of three scores in the 37th minute, adding his second eight minutes after the restart.

Reece saved his best for last, though, completing his hat-trick by plucking a cross-field kick from Mo'unga out of the air to take his tally to nine tries in seven games. Scott Barrett rounded off the scoring, Mo'unga converting five of their seven tries in a 20-point display.

Crusaders are top of the overall standings, 19 points clear of South Africa Conference leaders Bulls and the Rebels, who lead the Australian section. The holders have a seven-point advantage over the Hurricanes in the New Zealand pool.