Crusaders sweep Hurricanes aside

Crusaders 39-16 Hurricanes

Defending champions Canterbury Crusaders overcame Wellington Hurricanes to book their spot in the Super 12 final for the fifth time in six years.

Loose forwards Sam Broomhall, Richie McCaw and replacement Scott Robertson scored tries as the Crusaders cruised to an emphatic win.

Rookie inside-centre David Carter kicked five penalties and three conversions in his 10 attempts against Wellington, whose sole try came courtesy of Brent Ward.

The Crusaders, who have won the Super 12 four times since the competition began in1996, will meet the winner of Saturday's semi-final between the Auckland Blues and ACT Brumbies in next weekend's final.

The Crusaders employed quick, consecutive phased possession and forced back the Hurricanes with deep and accurate tactical kicking.

CANTERBURY CRUSADERS
Tries: Sam Broomhall, Ritchie McCaw, Scott Robinson
Conversions: David Carter (3)
Drop goals: Aaron Mauger

WELLINGTON HURRICANES
Try: Brent Ward
Conversions: David Holwell.
Penalties: Holwell (3)

And when the Hurricanes were in possession, Canterbury rocked them onto the back foot with punishing, decisive first tackles which forced frequent turnovers.

"There's a lot of pride at stake in the semi-finals and the guys stepped up to it. They handled the pressure of the occasion well," said Canterbury and All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne.

Hurricanes skipper Tana Umaga said that lack of experience cost his team, who were playing in only their second Super 12 semi-final.

"We chucked everything at them but everything we tried they threw back at us," he said.

"I couldn't be more proud of my guys. They never gave up and this experience will stand them in good stead in future years. We just weren't experienced enough and we didn't exploit enough."