Crusaders secure semi spot

The Crusaders booked their place in the Super 14 semi-finals after a comfortable 40-22 victory over the Brumbies in Christchurch.

After winning what was effectively a quarter-final, the seven-time champions will make a ninth consecutive appearance in the last four of the tournament but their venue and opponents will depend on results elsewhere.

Despite being behind in the territory and possession stats, the Crusaders led 22-10 at the break with tries from Sean Maitland, Kieran Read and Owen Franks setting them up for a potential bonus point.

That was secured in the 52nd minute when captain Richie McCaw drove over from close range before Zac Guildford grabbed a fifth try in the closing stages.

It was another unhappy trip to Christchurch for the Brumbies, who were dealt an early blow when hooker Stephen Moore was taken to hospital after a nasty clash of heads with Franks with only 17 minutes gone.

Errors

The hosts made a shaky start to the contest with Dan Carter missing two penalty attempts inside the first four minutes.

The Brumbies then opted against the three points after going coming close to scoring the opening try through Adam Ashley-Cooper, but Moore knocked on from the line-out and the opportunity was spurned.

It proved to be a costly error as the Crusaders scored a few minutes later through Maitland after a strong counter-attack sent the wing over in the corner.

Daniel Bowden gifted the Brumbies their opening try as his pass was intercepted by Tyrone Smith, who ran in under the posts and Matt Giteau's conversion levelled the scores.

Tries

A knock-on by Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu resulted in Read's try as Carter collected the loose ball before it was worked to Guilford, whose kick was collected and grounded over the try-line by Reid.

Three minutes later Franks was diving over in the right-hand corner to increase the lead after the Brumbies were again opened up down the left flank.

After Giteau and Carter penalties cancelled each other out, Ben Alexander looked to have given the visitors a way back with a try shortly after half-time.

But their comeback was halted shortly afterwards as McCaw dived over from close range and Carter added the extras.

The stand-off then slotted through two more penalties before Guildford completed the rout in the closing stages while replacement hooker Huia Edmonds scored a consolation for the Brumbies.