---

QUICK TAP: LIONS v WARATAHS SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

---

That ensured the Crusaders would host next week’s final against either the Lions or the Waratahs.

Directing proceedings with aplomb was first five-eighths Richie Mo’unga scoring the first try, adding penalty goals before halftime and unleashing long passes and tactical kicks in the second half to set up tries.

The Crusaders mid-fielders Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodhue denied Crusaders hard man and second five-eighths Ngani Laumape any influence, although it appeared the Hurricanes plan was to use him as a diversion with wing Julian Savea being called more often into play, and with effect.

But as the Hurricanes sought openings the Crusaders were not to be moved.

A three-try buffer quickly established after halftime ensured they could play a waiting game for frustration or error by the Hurricanes as the offensive gradient rose for them every minute they failed to score.

Even when wing Ben Lam finally got some space to kick into the Crusaders 22m, the home side rallied their defence quickly to stifle the opportunity.

Then, to ram home their message, the Crusaders worked their way back downfield to turn the assault back on the Hurricanes and it was Mo’unga’s cross-kick to replacement wing Braydon Ennor that finally sealed the result, if not the final score with the 68th minute try.