Crusaders winger Johnny McNicholl bagged a hat-trick as his team beat the Hurricanes 41-15 in their final Super Rugby pre-season match in Levin.

McNicholl dotted down three times inside the first 50 minutes, while reserve forward Jordan Taufua scored two as the Crusaders took control in the second half.

The sides were evenly matched in the first half, with unconverted tries to Beauden Barrett, Marty Banks and Ben Franks enough to top McNicholl’s first two converted tries and giving the Hurricanes a 15-14 lead at the break.

But McNicholl’s third try put the Crusaders in front, and Taufua’s double and a last-minute try to Willi Heinz were enough for the away team as they kept the Hurricanes scoreless in the second half.

The Crusaders, joint favourites to win the Super Rugby title along with the Chiefs, begin with a home match against the Chiefs next Friday.

The Hurricanes open their campaign with two games in South Africa.