Match Reports

The Crusaders will face the Reds in the Final of the Investec Super Rugby finals in Brisbane after a stunning 29-10 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.

The Crusaders were considered underdogs for the Semi-Final after having to play the Sharks in Nelson in their Qualifier and then flying across the Indian Ocean to play the Stormers while the hosts had the luxury of a weekend off.

But the Crusaders showed no signs of fatigue or jet lag. They simply tore into the Stormers and completely shut them out. The home team had no answer to the scrummaging power and defence of the Crusaders.

Having beaten the Stormers in round-robin play with a weakened team, the Crusaders were confident going into this match. This time they had players like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Sam Whitelock in their line-up.

Earthquakes, ash clouds, a tortuous travel schedule, these things don't worry the Crusaders too much. Rather they have galvanised a team which is on the brink of doing something very special and won't be done ever again.

Wyatt Crockett, like he did a couple of months ago on this Newlands ground, turned in a man of the match performance which wasn't limited to his incredible efforts in the scrum.

Crockett's work around the field has also gone to a new level this season - especially his tackling and that set the benchmark for this Crusaders side which dropped everything in blue that moved.

Brad Thorn was another who excelled and fittingly he will play his last game for the Crusaders at Suncorp, a scene of many of his matches with the Broncos.

Wing Sean Maitland scored the first try for the Crusaders, plucking out a loose Nick Koster pass to speed 50m and score his ninth try of the season.

Centre Robbie Fruean soon followed him over the chalk. He was set up perfectly by a trademark Sonny Bill Williams offload - so similar to one he provided for Maitland in the round-robin match.

And constantly chipping in with penalties was Carter, who had a great day with the boot, scoring 19 points.

The Stormers hit back with a try to Bryan Habana, who took a quick tap from close to the line and went under a would-be tackle.

The Crusaders took a 23-10 lead into halftime and it was effectively game over. After the break the Crusaders strangled the Stormers into submission, Carter kicking two penalties to make the game safe.

The forward effort from the Crusaders was immense, and the scrum was the key here. The tight five of Crockett, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Thorn and Whitelock embarrassed their vaunted opposites in this set piece and confidence will be high going into the next game against the Reds.

Zac Guildford was another who had a storming game for the Crusaders. His cover tackle on Jacque Fourie was a try-saver and his high work rate was again a massive boost for the Crusaders.

Stormers - Try: Bryan Habana. Con: Peter Grant. Pen: Grant.

Crusaders - Tries: Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean. Cons: Dan Carter 2. Pens: Carter 5.

HT: 23-10