Rugby: Crusaders destroy Stormers (+photos)

Captain Richie McCaw picked up man of the match as the Crusaders slammed the Stormers in Cape Town. Photo / Getty Images

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A clinical 22-0 win over the Stormers in Cape Town today has sealed the Crusaders' first unbeaten rugby Super 14 visit to South Africa since 2002.

After stifling the Stormers in the first half - not allowing them even a shot at goal - the Crusaders were never in trouble.

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw, who was man-of-the-match, said it was great to win twice in South Africa.

"We created opportunities with our defence and took the chances on offer," he told Sky Sport.

"To win two on the trot in South Africa is what we were after."

Two penalties by first five-eighth Daniel Carter and a try to halfback Andy Ellis from a blindside sneak had the Crusaders 11 - 0 up at halftime.

After the break, the Stormers dam threatened to burst apart, but they laboured away grimly to prevent the Crusaders notching a bonus point.

A massive score seemed in the offing when Carter slotted his third penalty in the 49th minute.

Two minutes later Carter set up a try for right wing Sean Maitland with a superb crosskick.

With 21 minutes left, the Crusaders stretched their lead to 22-0 on the back of another Carter penalty but could not add to that score.

The win took the Crusaders - who beat the champion Bulls 54-19 last weekend in Pretoria - to the top of the table.

The unbeaten Blues could move past them overnight, if the secure a bonus point win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

- NZPA