Bridge helps Crusaders thump Stormers

Wing George Bridge's first‑half hat‑trick has set up the Crusaders for a relentless 57‑24 Super Rugby win over the Stormers in Christchurch.

The Crusaders ran in five tries in the opening 40 minutes, All Blacks skipper Kieran Read grabbing two, as they had the game won with a 36‑3 lead at the break.

The win leaves the Crusaders at the top of the New Zealand conference and the overall standings.

They are the only unbeaten team after eight weeks.

The Highlanders also got their fifth win of the Super Rugby season with a 40‑15 win over Japan's Sunwolves in Invercargill.

Other results, the Hurricanes beat the Brumbies 56-21, the Kings beat the Waratahs 26-24, the Lions beat the Jaguares 24-21, the Chiefs defeated Western Force 16 points to 7 and the Bulls defeated the Cheetahs 20-14 while the Sharks drew 9-all with the Rebels this morning.