The Crusaders extended their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference with a shutout 27-0 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Timaru on Saturday night.

The South Africans, who also started the game with four wins from six games, were taken apart and rarely threatened the superb Crusaders defence.

Their best chance came in the closing two minutes of play and even then the Crusaders defended ferociously to force the turnover and deny the visitors any points.

Right from the start, the Crusaders' ball retention was impressive and with the visitors starved of possession and territory, they grew increasingly frustrated.

The Bulls' renowned kick-and-chase game was conspicuous by its absence and the Crusaders excelled in creating space out wide when they moved the ball at pace.

The home side were without star back and goalkicker Dan Carter, who is still nursing a hamstring strain, and although replacement Matt Berquist's kicking for goal was average, the Crusaders' superb backline still functioned with its accustomed pace and flair.

After Berquist opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty, inside centre Sonny Bill Williams crossed for his third try of the season five minutes later.

Williams carved through some indifferent midfield defence, then powered over the line in three tackles for the try.

Berquist missed the conversion, but added two more penalties - the second on the stroke of halftime - to give the Crusaders a 14-0 lead at the break.

Veteran lock Chris Jack, in for the injured Sam Whitelock, belied his years with a solid performance, stealing a lineout throw from Bulls captain Victor Matfield in the first half and impressing in loose play with some strong running.

It took just three minutes of the second stanza before the Crusaders added to their scoreline, fullback Israel Dagg showing real strength to power over for the try after a run from winger Zac Guildford.

The Crusaders dominated at the set pieces, their speed at the breakdown and in recycling the ball keeping the Bulls consistently on the back foot.

However, it took another 30 minutes before the Crusaders crossed again, although Berquist kept the score ticking over with a penalty 20 minutes in.

Again, good hands and ball speed featured, Berquist handling well before the dangerous Robbie Fruean drew two defenders and offloaded for replacement centre Tom Marshall to cross for the try.

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