The Crusaders Edge The Hurricanes In a Dream Semi-Final

The Crusaders Edge The Hurricanes In a Dream Semi-Final

The Crusaders edged the Hurricanes 30-26 to reach their third consecutive final where they will meet the Jaguares who breezed past the Brumbies on Friday.

The clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes was dubbed as 'The Final before the Final' and the two sides did not disappoint producing what will rank highly as one of the best playoff games in the competition's history.

The two line ups were packed with All Blacks and the battles between Ardie Savea and Matt Todd, Bryn Hall and TJ Perenara, Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett lived up to their billings.

The game got off to a flying start and it was the Crusaders who got in front up first with Richie Mo'unga slotting his first attempt at goal.

The first try of the game came with just 13 minutes on the clock with the Crusaders forming a driving maul in their own half with Bryn Hall send the ball high and George Bridge got under it well before offloading to Ryan Crotty who drop the ball onto his foot and found Sevu Reece out wide to score.





The Hurricanes were put under pressure for most of the first half before their reliance finally paid off with Ngani Laumape scoring on the half time hooter. 

The Crusaders went into the break leading 13-7. 

The game burst into live from the first whistle in the second half was Ben Lam went over in the corner just three minutes after the break before Sevu Reece and Richie Mo'unga punished a James Marshall error moments later with the latter scoring under the posts as the Crusaders lead 20-12 after 45 minutes.

It took just six minutes for the Hurricanes to hit back as Laumape completed his brace. Laumape's try was simply brilliant with the All Black centre cleverly using his chest and tucking his arms behind his back after Dane Coles' tackled forced the ball loose and the centre 'chested' the ball down before regathering and scoring.

Sevu Reece also completed his brace as he received the ball out wide before he goose-stepped Beauden Barrett to score out wide. The Hurricanes did not give up with the Crusaders leading 27-19 as TJ Perenara was finally rewarded for his excellent performance as he threw a stellar dummy near the Crusaders try line that bamboozled the Crusaders pack and the halfback went over on the night he became the most capped Hurricanes player.

Barrett converted the try to make it a one point game with 18 minutes to play. The Crusaders continued to apply the pressure on the Hurricanes line with 10 minutes to play before the Hurricanes gave a penalty away that Mo'unga slotted to give the Crusaders a four point advantage with 7 minutes to play.

The Hurricanes went in search of a late winner in the dying minutes of the game but the Crusaders were awarded a controversial scrum and they were able to hold onto the ball and Mo'unga kicked to touch to bring the game to an end.

Top Performers

Ryan Crotty: Outstanding in the first half in all facets of the game and combined well with the players around him before he left the field with a hand injury soon after the break.

Beauden Barrett: Somewhat quiet in the first half but he was simply outstanding in the second half and almost rallied his side to victory.

Dane Coles: Stepped up in the big moments of the game, made a crucial tackle that set up Laumape's second try and was all over the pitch.

Sevu Reece: Scored a brace, was excellent in the air and troubled the Hurricanes throughout.

Ardie Savea: Excellent over the ball and the battle between him and Matt Todd was a joy to watch.

Richie Mo'unga: Flawless from the tee, which proved pivotal, marshalled his backline superbly and got the better of Barrett in the first half.

 
 
 
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THE CRUSADERS ARE THROUGH TO THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE #SUPERRUGBY FINAL #CRUVHUR

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