Match Reports

The Crusaders are into the Semi-Finals of the Investec Super Rugby competition after beating the Sharks 36-8 at Trafalgar Park in Nelson tonight.

The Red and Blacks will play the Stormers in Cape Town next Sunday morning at 3am (NZ time) after accounting for the Sharks three tries to one.

The Sharks scored the first try through No8 Willem Alberts but after that it was all Crusaders.

Big second-five Sonny Bill Williams crossed first for the Crusaders after 33 minutes, taking advantage of a good break and offload by returning wing Sean Maitland.

No8 and captain Kieran Read dived over next following an outstanding intercept from 40m out which floored the Sharks.

And reserve prop Ben Franks scored the Crusaders’ third try, crashing over from close with three minutes left.

Dan Carter was successful with his final six kicks at goal, ending the match with 19 points from five penalties and two conversions.

Matt Berquist chimed in by converting Franks’ try after he replaced Owen Franks.

Crusaders loose forwards Read, Matt Todd and George Whitelock were industrious tonight and Williams played well after missing last weekend’s win over the Hurricanes with a hip injury.

Williams was involved in several breaks and always looked dangerous when attacking the line.

The Crusaders will take on the Sharks at the Newlands ground, the third time in three seasons the Red and Blacks have made the Semi-Finals.

Crusaders -Tries: Sonny Bill Williams, Kieran Read, Ben Franks. Cons: Dan Carter 2. Matt Berquist. Pens: Carter 5

Sharks - Try: Willem Alberts. Pen: Patrick Lambie.

HT: 13-8

Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett
2. Corey Flynn (Quentin MacDonald 68min)
3. Owen Franks (Ben Franks 68)
4. Brad Thorn (Luke Romano 62)
5. Sam Whitelock
6. George Whitelock
7. Matt Todd
8. Kieran Read (Jonathan Poff 73)
9. Andy Ellis (Kahn Fotuali'i 64)
10. Dan Carter (Matt Berquist 73)
11. Zac Guildford
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Ryan Crotty 73)
13. Robbie Fruean
14. Sean Maitland
15. Tom Marshall