WELLINGTON — The Canterbury Crusaders just about remained on course for a 10th Super Rugby title when they outlasted the Wellington Hurricanes 30-26 in a thrilling all-New Zealand semi-final in Christchurch on Saturday. The double defending champions were made to work hard for their win but will now host Argentina’s Jaguares, who beat Australia’s ACT Brumbies 39-7 on Friday, in their 14th final next Saturday. Winger Sevu Reece crossed twice for the home side but flyhalf Richie Mo’unga was again the standout performer for the Crusaders with a brilliant try and 15 points from the kicking tee. “I’m proud of the effort because everyone was writing us off and we worked bloody hard but came up just short,” Hurricanes captain Dane Coles said. The Hurricanes came back again, however, and after another period of goal-line pressure, Perenara threw the defense off their stride with a dummy and forced his way over to again make it 27-26.

Source: National Post June 29, 2019 09:56 UTC