The Albany Gazette - Crusaders beat Blues to book Super Rugby semi-final berth

The defending champions crossed for eight tries in a fast-paced qualifying final in Christchurch, four of them during 20 minutes before halftime when the visitors were reduced to 14 men after back-rower Malachi Wrampling was shown a red card.

Wrampling's yellow card was upgraded to red on review following a jolting tackle on Leicester Fainga'anuku in the 19th minute when the scores were locked at 7-7.

It proved pivotal as the home side powered to a 33-14 lead at the interval, crossing through backs McNicholl, David Havili, Chay Fihaki and Taha Kemara, after Sevu Reece had dotted down early on.

With the Blues restored to full numbers in the second half, they were more competitive but never threatened the Crusaders, whose semi-final will be against the winners of the qualifying final later on Saturday between the Waikato Chiefs and Queensland Reds.

The fourth-ranked Blues will be eliminated if the Reds win in Hamilton. Otherwise they will advance as "lucky losers" to a semi-final against the top-qualifying Wellington Hurricanes, who crushed the ACT Brumbies 66-12 on Friday.

Victory extended the Crusaders' remarkable unbeaten home record in Super Rugby playoff fixtures to 33 games.

They employed a fast-moving style to outflank the Blues, with Fainga'anuku and other forwards adept at off-loading to create space.

The main recipient was 35-year-old McNicholl, the former Wales international who crossed for two out of their three second-half tries, with the other scored by reserve Manumaua Letiu.

The Blues, who were without injured All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett, scored five tries, through Sam Nock, Anton Segner, Xavi Taele, Payton Spencer and Caleb Clarke.

Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi made his 165th appearance for the Blues, the most by any player.

(A.Thompson--TAG)