Rain and sodden ground conditions at AMI Stadium ruined any chance of a spectacular start to the championship but there was no doubt about the winners, boosted by two tries to athletic No 8 Mose Tuiali'i.

The six-time Super rugby champions adjusted best to the Experimental Law Variations, which clearly have the potential to create a fast-moving game.

However, that never unfolded and the Crusaders relied on old fashioned dominance of possession and territory for long periods to clear away in a four-try performance.

Up just 10-3 at halftime, the Crusaders were more clinical in the second half, aided by a cohesive, dominant pack led by Tuiali'i, captain Richie McCaw and prop Greg Somerville.

First five-eighth Daniel Carter was creative with his kicking while perhaps their sharpest player was fullback Leon MacDonald in his 100th game for the franchise.

The Brumbies clearly missed the authority of long-serving but now departed halves George Gregan and Stephen Larkham and were mainly content to kick possession away.

They were out-hustled up front and seemed less at home with some of the new laws, which were smoothly marshalled by South African referee Mark Lawrence.

Of concern was Brumbies centre Adam Ashley-Cooper being assisted from the field midway through the first spell with an ankle injury that appeared serious.

Carter opened the scoring with a 13th-minute penalty but the scores were levelled 5min later through a penalty to Brumbies fullback Julian Huxley.

Tuiali'i nabbed the competition's first try courtesy of a counter-attack launched by MacDonald which went swiftly through the hands to create an overlap.

The slippery ball denied both teams a try either side of halftime.

Brumbies winger Mark Gerrard spilled a pass with the tryline at his mercy in the final act of the first spell while transferred Crusaders lock Ali Williams dropped it over the line just after the break.

Tuiali'i's second try was a testament to controlled forward play, with the Crusaders forwards employing 17 pick-and-goes before the former All Blacks No 8 barrelled through and over three tacklers.

Carter missed two penalty shots before slotting one and lock Brad Thorn announced his return to rugby with a try 10 minutes remaining.

The bonus point try went to Carter in the final minute, giving him a 19-point haul.

Carter was among several players from both sides playing their first meaningful game since New Zealand and Australia bombed out in the World Cup quarter-finals four months ago.

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw cut a tired but content figure after the 34-3 win over ACT Brumbies in Christchurch.

"Conditions made it a little bit tricky but I thought we adapted well. Four tries, we're pretty happy with it," McCaw told Sky Sport.

"On defence we were pretty sound and even though the ball was pretty slippery, we used it well."

McCaw didn't believe the experimental law variations (ELVs) had a major influence on the game.

"To be quite honest, you wouldn't know a lot different tonight," he said.

"Out there it was business as usual. The game did flow a bit, which was good."

Brumbies captain and opposing openside flanker George Smith said his team never adapted to the wet and had ample to work on.

"It was tough conditions out there but that's no excuse for the loss, they were very dominant around that ruck area and a lot of missed tackles didn't help us," he said.

"You've got to keep possession and keep the opposition team in retreat. We didn't do that throughout the whole match."

Smith, who often slotted in at halfback for defensive scrums, said the Brumbies were still coming to grips with the changes to the laws.

"It's a very fast game, which is something I enjoy. (But) It takes a bit of getting used to and come the next game we'll be a lot better."

The Crusaders now embark on a two-match tour of South Africa, starting with the Lions in Johannesburg next weekend.

Crusaders (10) 34
Tries: Mose Tuiali'i 2, Brad Thorn, Daniel Carter; Cons: Carter 4; Pens: Carter 2.

ACT Brumbies (3) 3
Pen: Julian Huxley.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Kahn Fotuali'i, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks.

Replacements: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Andrew Ellis, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland.

Brumbies: Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Gene Fairbanks, Peter Playford, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (captain), Jone Tawake, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Alister Campbell, Guy Sheperdson, Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson.

Replacements: Saia Faingaa, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Francis Faimifo.