Crusaders were way ahead from the beginning with a couple of tries on the board, while the Blues only collected just the one three-point penalty goal going into the break 32-3. Then nothing much has changed after that when the Saders continue to more a few more tries as their winning lead has extended even further on the scoreboard. And although the Blues finally scored a TRY or two later on, but the game was easily won by the Saders as they are through to another final this time on home soil in Christchurch. The final score at Orangetheory Stadium is 52-15.
Gotta feel sorry to the Blues who fell short this time last night. It took a while for them at last to search their first few points before they scored two tries in the 2nd half, even though they were way out of the picture by that stage. The main problem they suffered, however, was a mix of ill-discipline and a lack of ball opportunities where the Blues just couldn’t stop such a dangerous Crusaders attack along the way. While that was unfortunate, there’s going to be huge shakeup in Auckland next year without Beauden Barrett & coach Leon McDonald. It wouldn’t be possible without them as they hope to keep on winning games of the back of their legacy that made them great again.
And congratulations to the Crusaders on what is about to be another big Final showdown ahead next Saturday v either Chiefs or Brumbies. The way they play with their attacking structure & execution was simply outstanding where a lot of early tries were made before wrapping it up just over the half- century mark – that’s all I can say. While they can be good defensively, the Saders would need to watch their discipline if they want to end up with another championship – should they face the top-ranked Chiefs once again. They are hoping to give their coach Scott Robertson the best send off they need with all Super Rugby trophies being won under his leadership before he takes over the All Blacks job starting next year.
One more semi final left now with the Chiefs v Brumbies coming up in a few hours time on the race for the 2nd & last final spot over at FMG Stadium in Waikato, NZ. The game will start tonight at 5.05 pm AEST/7.05pm local time.
