VIDEO: All Black concern as Chiefs destroy Crusaders to power into Final
MATCH REPORT: The Chiefs have delivered a remarkable 49-12 thumping of the Crusaders on Friday to book their spot in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final.
As many as 42 points came in the first half in an incredible show of attacking prowess from last year’s finalists.
It’s the most points the Chiefs have ever scored against the Crusaders in the first half of a game, and their biggest ever win over the defending champions.
The onslaught left the Crusaders shattered, who had gone into the game unbeaten in their last seven semi-finals and their last five finals matches against the Chiefs.
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With the memories of last year’s Grand Final riding in their ears like cowbells, the hosts were ruthless.
Quinn Tupaea set the tempo with a half break and steal to get them on the attack, with his centre partner Lalakai Foketi throwing a beauty to Kyren Taumoefolau for the opener.
The winger shortly had a double after soccering through Damian McKenzie’s kick for his 10th of the season.
Former Waratah Foketi continued to piece apart the Crusaders’ defence, setting up Isaac Hutchinson to dive over the line. It would be Hutchinson’s last involvement, though, succumbing to injury.
But this didn’t stop the Chiefs from charging, and when Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed, they had a 28-0 lead.
Chay Fihaki sought to slow the bleeding with the Crusaders’ first try of the game.
But it was no use as the hosts kept rolling.
Tries to replacement Leroy Carter and Tupou Vaa’i furthered their advantage for a stunning 42-5 halftime lead.
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The Crusaders’ pain furthered after losing Leicester Fainga’anuku (ankle) before the break, with the slimmest of comeback hopes dashed when Christian Lio-Willie’s try was denied for a knock-on to start the second half.
The visitors eventually got themselves over the line as captain David Havili made one final statement with a powerful five-pointer.
In the end, the deficit was never in doubt as the Chiefs sealed the win and tied their highest points scored against the Crusaders with a late try to Xavier Roe.
It’s the first time the Chiefs have defeated the Crusaders in a finals game since 2013.
They book their spot in the decider against the winner of the Hurricanes or the Blues, who will face off on Saturday in Wellington.
The only sour note for the Chiefs will be the sight of Quinn Tupaea limping around with an ankle injury, suffered during the second half.
*See the scores and scorers below!
Scorers:
For the Chiefs:
Tries: Taumoefolau 2, Hutchinson, Vaa’i, Taukei’aho, Carter, Roe
Cons: McKenzie 7
For the Crusaders:
Tries: Fihaki, Havili
Cons: Kemara
Teams:
Chiefs: 15 Isaac Hutchinson, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Sione Ahio, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Leroy Carter.
Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 Manumau Letiu, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 George Bower, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Macca Springer.
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Graham Cooper
