The Crusaders maintained their unbeaten record at One NZ Stadium with a 36-20 victory over the Blues, with Leicester Fainga’anuku starring in a dominant display.
Fainga’anuku set up multiple tries, including a milestone score for centurion George Bower, as the Crusaders raced to an early lead before the Blues briefly hit back through tries to AJ Lam and Sam Nock.
The hosts regained control after halftime through Rivez Reihana and Kyle Preston, while Sevu Reece added another to stretch the advantage.
Despite finishing with 13 men after a red card to Kurtis MacDonald and a sin-bin for Jack Sexton, the Crusaders sealed the result with a late bonus-point try to George Bell, while the Blues’ defeat dealt a significant blow to their minor premiership hopes.
