Advertisement
Chief's Liam Messam celebrates the final whistle. INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga
Super Rugby

Masaga breaks 4 tackles in 6 metres to swing Super XV semi-final for Chiefs

Israel Dagg scored a beauty for the Crusaders too, but it’s the defending champions who will host next weekend’s final.

THE CHIEFS SECURED a home Super Rugby final this morning, defeating the Crusaders 20-19 in their last-four clash at Waikato Stadium.

Tries from Lelia Masaga (after five minutes in the video below) and Aaron Cruden in the space of six minutes earned the Chiefs the lead for the first time in the second half and proved the difference as the Crusaders fumbled their final opportunity to steal the match in extra time.

The Chiefs will now await the result of the other semi-final, between the Bulls and the Brumbies in Pretoria, to find out who they will host in Hamilton in seven days’ time.

Chiefs captain Craig Clarke, who is off to Connacht after the final, said: “It was a bit of deja vu with us hanging on and defending in the final minutes. We played a lot of footie and that was the difference in the end.”

Meanwhile, Todd Blackadder’s dream of bringing an unprecedented eighth Super Rugby title to Canterbury will have to wait.

In repeating last year’s gutsy semi-final victory over the Crusaders, the Chiefs buried the memories of the 43-15 thrashing they received in Christchurch just three weeks prior. For 40 minutes the two best attacking sides in Super Rugby threw everything at each other but stout defence denied any real try-scoring opportunities as Dan Carter used his boot to hand the visitors a slender 9-3 lead at the break.

The Chiefs made their intentions clear early, playing at a scintillating pace, but poor ball security halted a number of promising raids.

And their effort was not helped by a dysfunctional lineout that denied them the opportunity to build any pressure in attacking territory. Having weathered the early storm, the Crusaders used a sound kicking game to enter attacking territory where the Chiefs’ poor discipline allowed Carter to slot his first penalty of the night in the fifth minute.

YouTube credit: Tt TTRugbyVids

The home side attempted to put the squeeze on with rushing defence but only added to the penalty count as Carter slotted two more before the break after Cruden slotted his first and only penalty shot at goal in the opening spell.

At the break Chiefs coach Dave Rennie summoned All Black prop Ben Afeaki to enter the fray, but not before sharing a few words that inspired his side to hit back and take the lead.

Again the Chiefs burst onto the field with energy and quickly found themselves in the attacking 22.

After a series of charges failed to breach the line, the ball was fired out to an isolated Masaga who cut in-field then broke through the tackle of George Whitelock to score. Just moments later the Crusaders helped the home side extend their advantage when centre Ryan Crotty fired a looping pass while facing his own goal line that was intercepted by Cruden, who sprinted 40 metres to score.

The Crusaders needed to respond quickly and were able to do so thanks to some deft footwork by Israel Dagg. His brush with the touchline needed review from the TMO, who could find no fault as he dived in at the right corner.

Dejected Dagger ©INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Carter’s sideline conversion was crucial as it reduced the deficit to 20-16 with a quarter remaining.

With time winding down, and a Chiefs victory looking more likely, Carter slotted his fourth penalty of the night with six minutes remaining to pull the Crusaders to within a point.

He wasted no time and launched an ambitious drop goal attempt which sailed left of the posts, much to the relief of the Waikato Stadium faithful. The All Black play-maker would have one last say in the match but it will be one that he would rather forget – receiving the ball in full flight he was hit hard, forcing a knock on.

Referee Steve Walsh glanced over to discover that time has expired before he blew the final whistle as the crowd erupted.

Liverpool owners dismiss suggestions club is for sale again

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.