Crusaders maintain winning streak with 45-17 victory over Force

Crusaders 45-17 Force, AMI Stadium
Scorecard

Crusaders ran a seven-try riot as they registered their fifth consecutive win this season to defeat Force by 45-17 in their Super Rugby encounter at AMI Stadium on Friday.

Wing Digby Ioane got Crusaders off the mark with a second minute try and between 15th and 27th minute, flankers Matt Todd and Scott Barrett along with lock Luke Romano strolled across the post while fly-half Mitch Hunt added conversions on all the occasions to take the score to 28 points for the home side at the end of the first half.

Wingers Alex Newsome (17') and Chance Peni (40') scored the tries for Force in the first half with number 10 Jono Lance scoring two conversions and a penalty as the visitors trailed by 11 points at half-time.

Hooker Codie Taylor extended Crusaders advantage in the second half with a try in the 49th minute while fullback David Kaetau Havili and replacement Ben Funnell ensured a 28 point win for the hosts with a try each after Force flanker Isi Naisarani was sin-binned in the 70th minute.

With five wins from as many games, Crusaders top New Zealand conference with 21 points while Force are positioned third in Australian conference.