Bulls smash Crusaders 36 - 23

SHOOT: The Crusaders played a spectacular first 20 minutes. Unfortunately they cashed in all their chips in those first 20 minutes, because beyond their initial efforts, they only scored 3 more points in the second half.
At one stage the Bulls were behind 20-7, and the Crusaders were looking stronger, faster and sharper. The Crusadersd were muscling the Bulls backward and trouncing them in the lineouts and scrummages. But then the Bulls stampeded. A yellow card to Crusaders No.8 Thomas Waldrom didn't help stem the bloodflow. Morne Steyn hoofed 4 drop goals and penalty, Pierre Spies did an incredible run along with some nice opportunism from Habana and a cool finishing touch to swift passing by Akona Ndungane. This was probably the best Super 14 match of the year. The final with be at Loftus - Bulls versus the Chiefs.

clipped from www.thetimes.co.za The Blue Bulls booked a spot in this year’s Super 14 final, after beating the Cantebury Crusaders 36-23 at Loftus Versveld. The Crusaders were the first on the scoreboard with a penalty, however Bryan Habana scored the game’s first try. Further tries by Akona Ndungane and Pierre Spies, and four superb drop-goals from Morne Steyn ensured that South Africa has a team in the final for the second time in three seasons. The win for the Pretoria men means the Waikato Chiefs will visit Loftus for the deciding match next weekend.