Reece, Mo'unga help Crusaders edge out Hurricanes 30-26 to set up final clash against Jaguares

Crusaders 30-26 Hurricanes, Orangetheory Stadium
Scorecard

Sevu Reece scored a double while Richie Mo'unga contributed with 20 points as Crusaders edged out Hurricanes 30-26 in the semi-final at Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday.

This also means Crusaders will head to the final against Jaguares with a hope of winning their third consecutive title after emerging winners in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Mo'unga started the proceedings with a third minute penalty goal and by the 13th minute Crusaders got their first try with Reece diving over the line. The fly-half's conversion meant Crusaders got off to a 10-0 lead.

Just over the half-hour mark, Mo'unga with his second penalty kick in the 34th minute stretched Crusaders' lead to 13 but Ngani Laumape's opening try at the stroke of half-time meant the gap came down to six points.

The Hurricanes looked the better side at the start of the second half with Ben Lam diving over the line but they missed a chance to claim the lead as the conversion was missed.

The gap between the two sides remained one with Mo'unga and Laumape trading tries and the trend continued with Reece and TJ Perenara also exchanging tries between them at end of the third quarter.

With all the three results possible and the final 10 minutes kicking-off, Mo'unga scored the decisive kick in the 73rd minute that ensured Crusaders a four point win.