Thee Crusaders marched on - but they'll be without the services of star inside centre Stephen Brett for a number of weeks after he injured his shoulder setting up a try for Leon MacDonald. Brett left the field in obvious pain with suspected damage to his AC joint.

Centre Casey Laulala appeared to score a try in the second minute, only to have it ruled out by the Television Match Official. Laulala later picked up tries in each half as the Crusaders' back line ran rampant.

Dan Carter controlled the game from his pivot role without ever getting out of third gear, picking up a try and landing five conversions from nine attempts. Scott Hamilton scored two tries after moving to fullback as the home team shifted the ball from one flank to the other, running in six tries down the left wing.

The visiting Cheetahs were never really allowed to get into their game plan, suffering from a severe lack of territory and possession. Their only try came from Jongi Nowke, who intercepted a lazy pass and sprinted 20 metres to score.

Taking a 33-0 lead into the break, the home side went off the boil a little in the second half, never losing their dominance but not making the Cheetahs pay either. The high tempo of the game took its toll on the fitness of the visitors, who let in three tries in the final quarter.

The Crusaders started a number of their stars from the bench and pulled off captain Richie McCaw at half time, allowing their young players to get some much-needed match time. After the game, Crusaders' assistant coach Mark Hammett said that due to the six-day turn-around between last week's game, and again for next week, the team wanted to give their regulars some rest.