Wellington - The Canterbury Crusaders thrashed the Queensland Reds 58-17 in Christchurch on Friday to give legends Richie McCaw and Dan Carter a triumphant home farewell.
The seven-time champion Crusaders posted an emphatic eight tries to two victories, keeping their slim play-off chances alive.
While winger Nemani Nadolo was the star of the show -- scoring two tries and setting up two more -- Captain Kieran Read said the performance was about giving Carter and McCaw a fitting farewell in Christchurch.
"Those guys have done an awful lot for this team and it showed with the crowd getting behind us," he said.
Carter, the top point's scorer in international rugby, will transfer to French club Racing Metro after this year's World Cup.
Meanwhile, All Blacks captain McCaw has indicated he intends to retire after the tournament. The Crusaders' last home appearance of the season is therefore almost certainly their final Super 15 match in Christchurch.
The Crusaders have not missed out on the play-offs since 2001 and the bonus-point win gives them some hope of maintaining the record.
AFP
