THE MAGICAL TOUCH of Richie Mo’unga and a stout defence put seven-time champions Canterbury Crusaders into another Super Rugby final when they beat the Waikato Chiefs 27-13 in Christchurch earlier.
And one of Leinster’s newest recruits James Lowe was on the wrong side of the result and played a part in a bizarre try.
With the Crusaders up only 10-6 at half-time and starved of possession, the game turned 10 minutes into the second half when the Chiefs wing Lowe attempted a clearing kick while scrambling on defence.
Mo’unga came from behind to knock the ball into the hands of the oncoming Israel Dagg, who dived across the line to open up the Crusaders’ lead and from there they never looked back.
Seta Tamanivalu, who this week turned down an offer to return to the Chiefs and will stay instead with the Crusaders, added two more tries before Brodie Retallick scored a consolation five-pointer for the Chiefs at the end.
Lowe faced the Lions last month as part of the Maori set up. He joins Leinster on a three-year term next season.
Here are the full highlights: