Hurricanes blow away Sharks, Lions end Crusaders’ Super Rugby title bid
Three Kiwi teams into Super 18 semi-finals
New Zealand’s Hurricanes are one game from hosting this year’s Super Rugby final, with defending champions Highlanders away to South Africa’s Golden Lions in next week’s semi-finals.
The Wellington-based Hurricanes, bidding for their first Super Rugby crown after losing to the Highlanders in last season’s decider, have home advantage against fellow Kiwis Chiefs next weekend.
The Johannesburg-based Lions, the second-seeded team, will host the Highlanders in Saturday’s other semi-final.
The Hurricanes, the top seeds after finishing on top of the final standings, blasted away South Africa’s Coastal Sharks in a record 41-0 victory to cruise into the last four.
Across in South Africa, the Lions scored two late tries to see off New Zealand’s seven-time champions Canterbury Crusaders 42-25.