The Chiefs booked a home Super Rugby final when they held on to beat the Crusaders 20-19 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton last night.
It means that the 2012 champions will have the chance to defend their title next weekend against the Brumbies who beat the Bulls 26-23 early this morning at Loftus Versfeld.
Aaron Cruden scored 15 points and Dan Carter missed a match winning drop goal, as the heavily favoured Crusaders dominated the opening 40 minutes but two missed penalty kicks by Carter either side of halftime proved critical.
Cruden’s 50 metre intercept five pointer moments later gave the Chiefs a seemingly un-assailable lead.
But Israel Dagg swung momentum the Crusaders way with a stunning in-an-away, waltzing around Hika Elliot and tip-toeing down the Chiefs sideline to score in the corner.
Carter had a prime opportunity to win with a drop goal on 76 minutes but pushed it wide.
Their disciplined flat line defence rushed to prevent the Crusaders working back into scoring position and Zac Guildford’s mistake in added time left Todd Blackadder’s men to rue another failed campaign.
Chiefs captain Craig Clarke said their fans motivated them throughout the game.
Audio 1
The Chiefs will meet the Brumbies next Saturday in Hamilton.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
