Crusaders humiliate Rebels in Christchurch with 85-26 thrashing
Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock and his men ran a 13-try riot against the visitors who managed to score just four in response.
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Crusaders 85-26 Rebels, AMI Stadium
Scorecard
The Crusaders humiliated the Rebels at AMI Stadium with 85-26 thrashing on Saturday during the Super Rugby round 16 clash in Christchurch.
Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock and his men ran a 13-try riot against the visitors who managed to score just four in response.
Winger Johnny McNicholl (27, 62, 80) scored a hat-trick whereas hooker Codie Taylor bagged a double (42, 45).
Whitelock (1), centre Ryan Crotty (4, 39), lock Scott Barrett (9), prop Alex Hodgman (13), wing Nemani Nadolo (19), replacement flanker Peter Samu (49) and flanker Matt Todd (63) were the other try scorers for the Crusaders.
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga successfully slotted seven conversions as Nadolo managed to score three.
Scrum-half Nic Stirzaker (34), centre Reece Hodge (51), lock Culum Retallick (70) and wing Sefanaia Naivalu (77) crossed over the try line for the Rebels.
Fly-half Jack Debreczeni (35, 71, 78) managed to make three conversions as the Rebels succumbed to a heavy 59-point defeat giving the Crusaders a much deserved bonus-point.
The victory has now positioned the Christchurch side just one point behind the Chiefs who are at the top of the New Zealand Conference.
The Crusaders are scheduled to face Hurricanes at home whereas the Chiefs will travel to Dunedin for the final round-robin encounter.
