Tamanivalu scores double as Crusaders beat Chiefs 27-13 to reach finals

Crusaders 27-13 Chiefs, AMI Stadium
Scorecard

Seta Tamanivalu scored two tries in the second half as Crusaders continued their momentum into the semi-final against Chiefs with a 27-13 win at AMI Stadium to become the first team to reach the finals of the Super Rugby 2017 season.

After the first 12 minutes went without a point, Richie Mo'unga got Crusaders off the mark with a penalty following which Bryn Hall crossed over allowing the fly-half to slot the conversion as the hosts raced to a 10 point lead at the end of the first quarter.

A double penalty from Damian McKenzie allowed Chiefs to make a brief comeback as they reduced the trail to four points at the end of the first half.

Crusaders showed more intent in the second half as Israel Dagg strolled past the post in the 48th minute and back to back tries from Tamanivalu in the 57th and 72nd minutes respectively to take the hosts to a 27-6 lead.

A late try from Brodie Retallick allowed Chiefs to reach 13 points but Crusaders kept their hope of winning the title with a 14 point victory. They now will await the winner of Lions and Hurricanes, who face each other in the second semi-final at Emirates Airlines Park later in the day.