The Crusaders have put a seal on one of the great eras of rugby union domination with a 25-20 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final, sending coach Scott Robertson off to the All Blacks with a seventh straight title.
Winning the four previous Super Rugby titles (not including regional titles) meant the Crusaders were well aware of the demands they would face when running out onto FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday for the Super Rugby Pacific final.
The Chiefs Rugby Club has announced that the Super Rugby Pacific Final has sold out for the clash between the table-topping Gallagher Chiefs and defending champions the Crusaders.
The Crusaders have once again dashed the Blues' title hopes by dominating their Auckland-based rivals in a 52-15 win in the first Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.
Two losses to the Crusaders earlier in the season and how they changed their game between both were lessons the Blues hope to learn from in Friday's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal in Christchurch.
The defending champion Crusaders have advanced to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals with victory over a team that beat them during the regular season.
The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances.
Having been without star player Will Jordan this season, the Crusaders are looking for a boost in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game with the Force in Christchurch.
Damian McKenzie has boosted his claim to a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad by leading the Chiefs to a 34-24 win over the defending Super Rugby Pacific champion Crusaders.
