The final result of tonight's Super 12 match between the Crusaders and the Bulls at Jade Stadium was never in doubt, but the pattern of play was hardly what would be expected from two teams separated by the length of the points table.
True, the Crusaders won, and won easily; and true, they picked up the requisite five points from the match. However, their coach Robbie Deans will be less than pleased with the match.
Instead of dominating, the Crusaders' performance was scrappy and riddled with errors, and the underdog South African side crossed the home side's line for tries two times late in the second spell.
Conditions conspired against the Crusaders playing an attacking, flowing game. Drizzle and wet conditions underfoot prevented an expansive-style game of rugby.
The Bulls actually led on the scoreboard at one point. That was after four minutes, when a penalty gave them a 3-nil lead.
After that, the Crusaders piled on the pressure and by the end of the first half led 27-3. They eventually outscored the Bulls by eight tries to two.
Marika Vunibaka and Leon MacDonald both scored three tries for the Crusaders, who had rested many of their key players for this game.
Andrew Mehrtens, Nathan Mauger and Scott Robertson were just some of those who warmed the bench as the match started.
Halfback Justin Marshall came off at the interval, to be replaced by Ben Hurst.
The Bulls remain winless, anchored firmly to the bottom of the Super 12 table, and probably destined for another last-place finish again this season.
The Crusaders stay on top of the table, as the only unbeaten team in the competition.
