Codie Taylor crossed the chalk twice in the Crusaders win over the Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter final. Photo: PhotoSport / Andrew Cornaga
The Crusaders have joined the Blues and Chiefs in the final four after an emphatic 49-8 win in Christchurch tonight.
The hosts shot out to a 28-3 lead at Orangetheory Stadium courtesy of tries to the returning Oli Jager, flanker Sione Havili Talitui, and a brace for All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor.
A Selestino Ravutaumada intercept saw the visitors trailing the 11-time Super Rugby champions 28-8 at halftime following a wayward Will Jordan pass.
Scott Barrett extended the lead shortly after the break and Richie Mo'unga remained flawless off the tee.
Jordan was then denied after he snaffled a loose ball and streaked away but was ruled to be offside.
The Crusaders made a raft of changes, including Ethan Blackadder returning from three months on the sidelines.
Jordan finally got his reward as the home side stretched its advantage to 34 points.
The returning Willie Heinz put the icing on the cake in the 75th to ensure a return semi in the garden city next weekend.
The remaining semi final spot will be determined later tonight in Canberra when the Hurricanes face the Brumbies.
-RNZ
