Crusaders lead Super Rugby Aotearoa after thumping Highlanders 40-20

Sevu Reece scored a try for the Crusaders last night to help them defeat the Highlanders 40-20 and sit at the top of the Super Rugby Aotearoa points table.

Reece's try made it 26-20 after the 59th minute, and the Crusaders were too efficient to lose the game from there, with Tom Christie and Will Jordan adding late scores to blow out the scoreline.

The Highlanders led 17-14 at the break.

Shannon Frizell and Ngatungane Punivai scored a try each while Mitch Hunt converted two penalties for the host team.

The Crusaders next challenge is against the Blues next week in Christchurch.

The Crusaders are leading the Super Rugby Aotearoa points table with 14 points, followed by the Blues with 12 points, the Highlanders are in third place with 5 points, the Chiefs are in fourth place with 2 points while the Hurricanes are in last place with no points.

The Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs at 3.35 this afternoon.