As it happened: Crusaders v Sharks

THANKS

Thanks for joining us for this morning's first semi-final

Sorry we couldn't bring you better news from a SA point of view!

Be sure to stay tuned to www.sport24.co.za - SA's No 1 sporting website - for coverage of the second semi-final starting at 11:40

DON'T BLAME THE REFEREE

Nick Mallett quick to state that the referee, if anything, favoured the Sharks today

Can't blame Kiwi Glen Jackson

Hats off to the Crusaders for a first-class performance

They will take extra interest in the second semi-final between the Waratahs and Brumbies in Sydney at 11:40 SA time

If the Waratahs win, the final will be in Sydney.

If the Brumbies win, the final will be in Christchurch

78' - Oh dear, the Crusaders set up a rolling maul - ala Sharks style - and MATT TODD barges over to score the home side's FIFTH try!

It's an embarrassment and massacre in Christchurch

Sharks taught a lesson

75' - Worst Sharks performance all season just gets worse as wing Lwazi Mvovo fails to pick up the ball hardly moving

Shocking!

Jake White can't be happy

72' - Carter's conversion goes astray

Crusaders now lead 33-6

69' - Assistant referee report for a punch

Ref Jackson consults the TMO...

Crusaders replacement prop Jimmy Tupou "punches" his own man - just a penalty says the referee

67' - SHARKS CLEAR THE BENCH

More changes by the Sharks - more in desperation than hope

OFF go Bismarck du Plessis, JP Pietersen and Marcell Coetzee, ON come Kyle Cooper, Lubabalo Mtembu and Tonderai Chavhanga

66' - Carter's conversion is GOOD!

Crusaders lead 28-6 after 66 minutes

CRUSADERS CHANGE

Kieran Read leaves the field to a massive round of applause, replaced by youngster Jordan Taufua

YOU KNOW THAT SAYING...

You know that saying 'Don't kick a dog when it's down'?

The Sharks would miss...

AND A FOURTH CHANGE...

OFF goes scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, ON comes Charl McLeod

MORE CHANGES

OFF go the Sharks's props Thomas du Toit and Jannie du Plessis, ON come Dale Chadwick and Lourens Adriaanse

Also, SP Marias off after a forgettable night, on comes S'bu Sitole

60' - Lambie - with his hair still looking picture-perfect - pushes the kick wide

Oh dear. Not the Sharks' night

59' - Crusaders caught "inside the 10" and the Sharks are awarded a penalty

Bismarck elects to take the points - hopefully - through Lambie

Not too late to chase tries it appears...

54' - The Sharks learning the hard way that one can't defend all match

Thankfully rugby's laws favour the team prepared to attack

49' - Too easy for the seven-time champion Crusaders who are building nicely this season as they now look like certain finalists

48' - The Crusaders doing all the attacking, the Sharks doing all the defending

Attack wins as giant Fijian wing NEMANI NADOLO scores his 11th try of the season