FINALS (all times Irish)
1ST ROUND
CRUSADERS 28-13 BULLS
REDS 17-30 SHARKS
SEMIFINALS
CHIEFS 20-17 CRUSADERS
After building a 17-6 first half lead thanks to tries from Taumalolo and Messam, the Chiefs defence fell asleep before the break letting in Crotty but woke up again right at the end to withstand 22 phases denying the Saders a chance for a tying drop goal. Not Dan Carter's finest hour, and Sonny Bill, Messam, Clarke & co made enough hay from their hard-earned home advantage to reach the final.
For the second week in a row the Sharks have shown how play smart when you have to travel. A no-nonsense territory game was rewarded with well-worked 5-pointers from Ludik and JP Pietersen. The Stormers' fightback via a Gio Aplon try wasn't enough and a late Michalak drop goal plus some stubborn defence clinched it. The Chiefs will be glad to host the final but sure won't have things easy.
FINAL
CHIEFS v SHARKS
Saturday, August 4 8:30am
