Wins for the Crusaders, Jaguares, Hurricanes and Brumbies set up will be a thrilling round of semi-final matches as the 2019 Super Rugby season draws to a close.
The Crusaders' bid for a third straight Super Rugby title - and 10th overall - continued with a dominant defeat of the Highlanders and set up a semi-final match-up with the Hurricanes.
Richie Mo'unga was in inspirational form as the Crusaders took another step towards a third straight Super Rugby title with a 38-14 quarter-final defeat of the Highlanders.
The Crusaders, who triumphed in 2017 and 2018, topped the regular season table and their progression to the last four never looked in doubt in Christchurch on Friday.
Mo'unga contributed 23 points for the hosts, crossing for a try in either half, dispatching an early penalty and executing five conversions from five.
The Highlanders, with Ben Smith back in the side, had briefly led when Sio Tomkinson responded to Mo'unga's opening kick with a 17th-minute try, but the defending champions quickly turned the game on its head.
David Havili went over after 22 minutes and Mo'unga soon followed, although Teihorangi Walden's score - and Josh Ioane's second conversion - reduced the score to 17-14 at the break.
The Highlanders did not score again and the Crusaders accelerated out of sight after Liam Squire was sent to the sin bin for a no-arms tackle just after the restart.
Whetu Douglas quickly capitalised from a lineout drive and then Michael Alaalatoa further stretched the lead, before Mo'unga fittingly completed the scoring with 11 minutes remaining.
Jaguares hold off Chiefs to reach Super Rugby semis
The Jaguares booked their spot in the Super Rugby semi-finals with a win over the Chiefs. The Jaguares held off the Chiefs to secure a 21-16 win and move into the Super Rugby semi-finals, where they will face the Brumbies, on Friday.
After trailing 16-8 early in the second half in Buenos Aires, the Jaguares surged ahead and then held on for their first finals victory.
They made the perfect start against the Chiefs through Pablo Matera's first-minute try, only to be 10-8 behind at the break. Jack Debreczeni's second penalty and another from Marty McKenzie stretched the Chiefs' lead to eight before the Jaguares responded.
Matias Moroni went over and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla converted before slotting a penalty, another on the hour-mark putting the Jaguares 21-16 ahead. The Chiefs pushed in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through as the Jaguares advanced.
Hurricanes edge the Bulls
The Bulls gave the Hurricanes a big test but fell short as the Wellington-based franchise sets up a semi-final clash with the Crusaders.
Salesi Rayasi grabbed a double as the Hurricanes battled past the Bulls 35-28 to reach the Super Rugby semi-finals. The Hurricanes will face defending champions the Crusaders at Orangetheory Stadium in a repeat of last year's semi-final next Saturday after overcoming the spirited Bulls.
John Plumtree's side looked to be cruising through at Westpac Stadium when they went in at half-time with a 24-14 lead following tries from TJ Perenara, Ben Lam and Rayasi.
Warrick Gelant had scored the first try of the game and Cornal Hendricks crossed six minutes before the break, but three tries in the space of 10 minutes and nine points from the boot of Beauden Barrett made it advantage the Hurricanes.
Rayasi - a replacement for Wes Goosen midway through the first half - had a brace early in the second half but the Bulls were awarded a penalty try after the wing was sent to the bin.
Hendricks touched down for a second time in between a couple of Jordie Barrett goals and he dropped the ball wide on the right with time up as the Bulls applied late pressure without reward.
The Brumbies gallop past the Sharks
The Brumbies ensured there will be no South African sides in the last four. with their win over the Sharks.
The Brumbies battered the Sharks to saunter into the last four after a 38-13 thumping of the Sharks at Gio Stadium.
Pete Samu touched down twice in the first half and there were also tries for Henry Speight, Joe Powell and Matt Lucas for Dan McKellar's men.
The Sharks were unable to live with the Brumbies' power and creativity, Andre Esterhuizen scoring their only five-pointer in the first half.
