Bryn Hall and David Havili scored early tries just three minutes apart as the Crusaders used a strong defensive effort to crush a wasteful Sharks side 40-10 in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Christchurch on Saturday.
Then Matt Todd touched down early in the second half before Braydon Ennor and Pete Samu added late tries to set up a semifinal against the Hurricanes next week.
The Sharks dominated long stretches of the match at the AMI Stadium, but wasted several scoring opportunities and found the defending champions’ relentless defence too organised and too difficult to break down.
Wing Kobus van Wyk scored the Sharks’ only try, with flyhalf Robert du Preez adding the other points with the boot.
Of their defeat, Sharks captain Ruan Botha says: “Championship games are won by defence and we missed a few crucial one-on-one tackles.
“Hats off to them, their defence was really strong.”
Crusaders - Tries:
Bryn Hall, David Havili, Matt Todd, Braydon Ennor and Peter Samu; Cons: Richie Mo’unga (3); Pens: Mo’unga (3).
Sharks - Try:
Kobus van Dyk; Conversion: Robert du Preez; Penalty: Du Preez.