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Hurricanes blow away Sharks, Lions end Crusaders’ Super Rugby title bid

Three Kiwi teams into Super 18 semi-finals

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Stormers' Jaco Taute is tackled by Aaron Cruden of the Chiefs during their Super Rugby quarter-final on Saturday. Photo: EPA

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.

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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.

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David Havili of the Crusaders (L) about to be tackled by Jaco Kriel of the Lions during the 2016 Super Rugby game between the Lions and the Crusaders at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, 23 July 2016. EPA/RYAN WILLKISKY
David Havili of the Crusaders (L) about to be tackled by Jaco Kriel of the Lions during the 2016 Super Rugby game between the Lions and the Crusaders at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, 23 July 2016. EPA/RYAN WILLKISKY
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