Nemani Nadolo scored two of eight Crusaders tries in a 57-24 thrashing of the Southern Kings in Christchurch.
Coming off their bye, the Crusaders were in ruthless form against their South African visitors despite bringing in a number of fringe players and resting Kieran Reed.
Todd Blackadder's decision to make nine changes briefly looked like embarrassing him, when a loose pass by Wyatt Crockett enabled Luzuko Vulindlu to intercept and touch down for a 10-0 lead.
But the Crusaders settled down after that early shock and Nadolo got them on the board in the 15th minute with his first try, soon followed by a score from Johnny McNichol as the home side took a lead they would never give up.
Ben Funnell scored a third try in eight minutes out wide and Fiji international Nadolo barged his way over for the bonus point score eight minutes before half-time.
Crusaders' dominance continued after the break with Richie Mo'unga and Mitchell Drummond taking their tally of tries to six before 10 minutes had passed.
Edgar Marutlulle came off the bench to reply for the Southern Kings, and Chris Cloete also crossed for the visitors after Jone Macilai-Tori had gone in under the posts for another Crusaders score.
And it was the home side who wrapped up the scoring a couple of minutes from time when replacement Pete Samu plunged over. The Crusaders shared the kicking points around with Mo'unga hitting four conversions and a penalty, and Ben Volavola booting three more conversions.
"There was a bit of rust there," Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock said. "The boys were pumped up and really wanted to play so we had to try and keep them back and play with a bit of structure."