The Crusaders have put together a classy performance to beat the Lions 36-10 in Christchurch and record their 25th straight home win.
Braydon Ennor got the hosts off to the perfect start, running off a gorgeous pass from Sevu Reece to score the opener.
But the Crusaders were made to work for their points as a tough Lions pack defended their line with pride holding off wave after wave of relentless Crusaders attack.
Both sides traded penalty kicks before a touch of Sevu magic got the red and black's over the line again.
The Fijian winger got the ball on the right edge and beat four players with brute power to score the home side's second try to take the score to 17-3 which is where it stayed until half-time.
Like so many times this year the Crusaders came out of the sheds with a different pace, another spring in their step and a ruthless demeanour about them.
Nine minutes into the second half the Crusaders scored their third try off a gorgeous line out move, Codie Taylor got the ball from the lineout and popped an inside ball to George Bridge who went in.
One minute later the winger was over again - Ennor providing the assist after another huge line break, carving the Lions defence up to take the score to 31-3.
The Lions scored two minutes later after a Richie Mo'unga was intercepted by Ruan Combrinck who scored the Lions first try.
But any chance of the visitors gaining momentum was quashed five minutes later through Reece who scored another incredible solo try gathering and scoring off his own grubber kick.
The back-to-back champions shut up shop for the final 20 minutes in a defensive master class and a clinic in closing out a game.
The win brings their total to 25 straight home wins which is one behind the record - also held by the Crusaders.
