Mo'unga at the double as Crusaders cruise through

The Crusaders' bid for a third straight Super Rugby title - and 10th overall - continued with a dominant defeat of the Highlanders.

Richie Mo'unga was in inspirational form as the Crusaders took another step towards a third straight Super Rugby title with a 38-14 quarter-final defeat of the Highlanders.

The Crusaders, who triumphed in 2017 and 2018, topped the regular season table and their progression to the last four never looked in doubt in Christchurch on Friday.

Mo'unga contributed 23 points for the hosts, crossing for a try in either half, dispatching an early penalty and executing five conversions from five.

The Highlanders, with Ben Smith back in the side, had briefly led when Sio Tomkinson responded to Mo'unga's opening kick with a 17th-minute try, but the defending champions quickly turned the game on its head.

David Havili went over after 22 minutes and Mo'unga soon followed, although Teihorangi Walden's score - and Josh Ioane's second conversion - reduced the score to 17-14 at the break.

The Highlanders did not score again and the Crusaders accelerated out of sight after Liam Squire was sent to the sin bin for a no-arms tackle just after the restart.

Whetu Douglas quickly capitalised from a lineout drive and then Michael Alaalatoa further stretched the lead, before Mo'unga fittingly completed the scoring with 11 minutes remaining.

Richie Mo'unga v the Highlanders 📊

7⃣ Kicks
1⃣0⃣ Carries
6⃣4⃣ Running metres
0⃣1⃣ Try assist
0⃣2⃣ Tries
2⃣3⃣ Points

He has equalled @DanCarter's record for the most points scored in a #SuperRugby finals match 🔥 #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/N7LlTMdisF

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 21, 2019