The Crusaders have become the first team to book their place in the Super Rugby grand final with a 14-point victory over the Chiefs in Christchurch.
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It was a defensive master class from the Crusaders to advance out of the semi-finals as they limited the Chiefs to just a single try, scored in the dying moments of the contest.
The Chiefs started the match full of intent and dominated the early stages with territory and possession, but could not crack the Crusaders in the opening stanza as the home sides defence stood resolute.
The tide eventually turned and the Crusaders opened the scoring with an early penalty for offside converted by Richie Mo’unga. Almost immediately from the kick off, the Crusaders counter attacked from their own half, which saw a wonderful try scored by halfback Bryn Hall, converted by Mo’unga as the Crusaders threatened to pull away with the match early.
The Chiefs, however, fought their way back into the match. A brilliant attacking kick looked to have seen them hit straight back through winger Tim Nanai Williams, only to be denied by the TMO, ruling a knock on as he dived to regather and score.
Consistent attack from the Chiefs earned two penalties to Damian McKenzie and the gap was closed to just four at halftime, 10-6 but still the Crusaders defence had stood firm despite all the pressure.
The second half started in much the same vein, the Chiefs again making all the play with the Crusaders defence continuing to hold and a breakout saw the Chiefs under pressure inside their 22.
A fumble from James Lowe, under pressure from a Mo’unga tackle popped up for Israel Dagg to score the easiest of tries. It allowed the Crusaders to push their lead out to 15, before a superbly worked set piece try from a scrum saw powerful winger Seta Tamanivalu crash over – the writing on the wall for the Chiefs.
Despite the score line, the Chiefs certainly did not lack endeavour but try as they might, the Crusaders defence continued to hold and to add further salt to the wound, Tamanivalu scored a second in the corner after Chiefs ill-discipline gifted the Crusaders several opportunities at the line to threaten to blow the score out.
The Chiefs were finally rewarded for all their efforts, scoring a fine consolation try to workhorse lock Brodie Retallick, but it was too little too late and on the back of a fantastic defensive effort the Crusaders ran out winners by 27-13.
The Crusaders will now take on the winner of the second semi-final between the Lions and Hurricanes, which will be played later on Saturday evening (AEST).
Crusaders 27
Chiefs 13
WEST
Roar Guru
The only problem is I hope the Crusaders haven't played their final against the Chiefs, travelling to South Africa takes a toll and at altitude. Last time a visiting team won an away game was in 2007 when the Bulls beat the Sharks in Durban. Crusaders have everything against them in the final, like the Lions did when they went to Wellington. The Crusaders will have to dredge up some energy from somewhere or they to will be blown away in the second half.
GC Red
Guest
I'm with you on that Fionn, Matt Todd was exceptional last night.
taylorman
Guest
True Kia, a real 'Conference' final... both Conference winners, never met yet... great outcome.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Got the form final. I actually like the idea that these sides haven't faced each other this year. It's a bit like the reality tv concept where you rock up and marry a complete stranger. The Lions really put the hammer down in that second half but they won't want to do that against a side who can protect a lead with a resolute set piece. The dry conditions will probably see the Crusaders adjust their kicking game and they'll want to have a crack at the Lions, who are no slouches with the ball. Should be a cracker of a final and a deserving champion. Not that there ever is an undeserving one.
Mitcher
Guest
I agree, but try-hards is a term that try-hards use.
Bakkies
Guest
Exactly woodart
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Got to hand it to the Crusaders, they have been one of the top notch forms sides throughout, playing in arguably the toughest conference. Ryan Crotty, take a bow..... a great performance ... a bit classy. Was waiting for Charlie Ngatai to leave him imprint on the game..... didn't do anything wrong but still waiting
Sylvester
Guest
Both had very good games but you certainly noticed Todd disrupting a lot of Chiefs ball, along with possibly topping the tackle count.
woodart
Guest
its not a grand final, thats a rubbish title that try-hards use. there are quarter final, semi finals and THE FINAL..
Fionn
Guest
I actually thought Todd outplayed Cane, he was immense.
Highlander
Guest
Good see-final rugby and a worthy winner Some big individual performance- crotty is always has impact and his timing is so good, read and whitelock, and another good one from Bryn hall. Sam Cane has to be the best distributing 7 in the game as well as his work in tight, Retallick always high level, and Dmac stepping up with a sniff of the AB 15 jersey up for grabs. Lions Canes at this standard would be good.
Art Vanderlay
Guest
"... but then again I'm also not too fussed." Bada boom bada bing.
R2k
Guest
Well there has been some major flooding in Christchurch recently. Not too sure the novocastrians have had that as of late. I certainly hope more will turn up for a grand final but then again I'm also not too fussed.
DavSA
Guest
This tigranes is a problem not just in NZ Rugby but with the exception of England , organizers struggling to fill stadiums across the globe is not unusual. Pricey tickets and too much of the same are an issue. It bothers me.
Sylvester
Guest
I was a bit surprised the Crusaders kicked as much as they did in the first half, but obviously they got the job done. I expected they would have forced to Chiefs to make the bulk of the tackles and tested out those jetlagged bodies.
Sylvester
Guest
Prob not zero degrees in Newcastle though...
tigranes
Guest
If Crusaders end up hosting the final you would hope they can draw a better crowd than they did tonight. Seriously you had two in form NZ teams playing, yet there were rows of empty seats. The Newcastle Knights are coming last yet they draw bigger crowds!! So much for NZers being fanatical rugby fans.
Fionn
Guest
Justin Marshall (I think it was him?) said something odd along the lines of 'it's a bit of the shame the Chiefs are losing when they have played much more positive and better rugby, they have dominated possession and territory and the Crusaders have been defending the entire time'. This was the sort of rubbish I would expect to hear from Cheika, and just demonstrates how differently some people think about the game. It is often easier to defend and then score off counters than it is endlessly trying (and failing) to break a structured defence. Anyway, awesome defence and counter-attack from the Crusaders, going to be very tough for whoever wins tonight. Crotty really is great.
Mike
Guest
If Cheika is looking for a successful blueprint to inspire the Wallabies, have the squad view the semi final game between the Crusaders and the chiefs. [over and over again!]