Rugby-Ruthless Crusaders crush Blues to reach Super Rugby Pacific final

The Blues were completely outclassed in the rematch of last year's final at Eden Park and were only able to manage a try and a penalty from flyhalf Beauden Barrett until Caleb Clarke crossed for a consolation score after the hooter.

The Canterbury Crusaders ruthlessly brushed aside the Auckland Blues 52-15 on Friday to reach a 17th Super Rugby final and extend their unbeaten record in playoffs at their Christchurch home to 30 matches over 25 years. The Super Rugby Pacific champions will face the winners of Saturday's second semi-final between the Waikato Chiefs and ACT Brumbies in next week's final, where they will be bidding for a 14th title in total and seventh in a row.

Winger Leicester Fainga'anuku scored two tries with centre Braydon Ennor, fullback Will Jordan, hooker Codie Taylor and replacement back Fergus Burke all also crossing, while flyhalf Richie Mo'unga chipped in with 22 points from the kicking tee. The Blues were completely outclassed in the rematch of last year's final at Eden Park and were only able to manage a try and a penalty from flyhalf Beauden Barrett until Caleb Clarke crossed for a consolation score after the hooter.