The Crusaders thrashed the Highlanders 41-7 in their pre-season clash yesterday afternoon.

The three-time defending champions outscored their neighbours seven tries-to-one.

Leicester Fainga’anuku, Tom Sanders, Brayden Ennor, and Fetuli Paea scored for the Crusaders in the second half after a halftime margin of 17-7.

Crusaders also thumped the Hurricanes 40-19 in last week's pre-season match.

The Crusaders begin their Super Rugby campaign against the Waratahs at 6.05pm next Saturday.

[Source: tvnz]