SYDNEY (Reuters):
CANTERBURY BEAT South Africa's Bulls 35-15 in Christchurch yesterday to book their place in next week's Super 14 final against Wellington.
The Crusaders, who won the old Super 12 championship a record five times including last season, outscored the South African side five tries to two, maintaining their domination of the southern hemisphere's top provincial competition.
The Crusaders will host Wellington in next Saturday's all-New Zealand final after the Hurricanes beat Australia's New South Wales Waratahs 16-14 on Friday.
Wing Rico Gear crossed twice in the first half while lock Chris Jack, hooker Corey Flynn and inside centre Aaron Mauger all scored in the second term.
Flyhalf Dan Carter kicked two conversions, a penalty and a drop goal before leaving the field early with the victory already secured.
"That first half was a real arm-wrestle," Canterbury captain Richie McCaw said.
"We knew we had to do the physical things first, which I think we did, then we scored some good tries.
"At halftime ... we felt like we'd played a little bit but still had plenty left in the tank so we wanted to come out and put them under pressure and that's what we did."
LATE CONSOLATION TRY
Springbok wing Bryan Habana scored on the stroke of halftime and replacement forward Pierre Spies notched a late consolation try for the Bulls, who were appearing in the semi-finals for the third in 11 seasons but have yet to make the final.
Flyhalf Morne Steyn landed a penalty and a conversion.
"At halftime we were still in it," Bulls captain Victor Matfield said.
"We made two turnovers in the first half and they punished us, like they always do. But their try after the break following 17 phases was awesome play and that try put us out of the game.
"You need to get over the advantage line but we couldn't do it, their defence was very good.
"I'm proud of the guys, we played really well but all congratulations to the Crusaders, they're just a world class team."
The Crusaders opened up an 8-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes when Carter landed an early penalty, then Gear scored his first try after a clever grubber-kick from outside centre Casey Laulala.
Steyn opened the Bulls' account with a penalty in the 28th minute, but Gear combined with Laulala again to score his second try and a Carter drop goal gave the home side a 16-3 lead.
The Bulls reduced the deficit to eight points at halftime when Habana crashed over in the right corner, but the Crusaders regained control immediately after the re-start when Jack finished off a 17-phase move that left both packs close to exhaustion.
Flynn then flopped over for an easy try off a quick lineout when the Bulls were caught napping, then Mauger burst through the defence for a spectacular solo touchdown that he started on halfway.
