Crusaders defend Christchurch fortress to reach Super final

:The Canterbury Crusaders marched into the Super Rugby final with a 20-7 win over the Waikato Chiefs on Friday, producing stonewall defence to safeguard their Christchurch fortress yet again.

With no points scored after halftime on a drizzly, windy night, Cullen Grace grabbed two early tries and Richie Mo'unga gave a flyhalf's masterclass as the Crusaders extended their perfect record in home playoffs to 27 wins.

Scott Robertson's side notched a competition record 222 tackles for the match at Rugby League Park, where they were under siege from a relentless Chiefs attack.

"Finals footy is all about defence so there were plenty of good efforts there," said Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett.

"You have to take your hats off to the Chiefs. They threw 120 per cent at us and I'm sure there are going to be some sore bodies over the next few days."

Bidding for a sixth championship trophy in as many years, the Crusaders meet the winner of the Auckland Blues and ACT Brumbies who play the other semi-final at Eden Park on Saturday.

The Chiefs needed everything to go right for them to upset the Crusaders but instead blew three, hot try chances.

Number eight Pita Gus Sowakula failed to ground the ball in the 12th minute and centre Alex Nankivell blew the second try on the cusp of halftime with an errant pass straight to a Crusader.

Fullback Josh Ioane later sent a pass sailing over Quinn Tupaea's head into the terraces as the unmarked centre streamed toward the right corner in the 54th minute.

Only prop Angus Tava'ao managed to cross for the visitors, barging over in the 24th minute after shooting out of a ruck.

"That one really hurts, it’s going to probably be a lot of regrets," Chiefs captain Brad Weber said.

"We wanted to create history tonight