37 minutes ago

Taha Kemara scores a try for the Crusders against the Blues.

A hattrick of tries to fullback Johnny McNicholl has helped propel the Crusaders to a 52-31 Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final win over the Blues in Christchurch.

The 35-year-old former Wales international showed he had lost none of his pace, taking full advantage of the Crusaders' ability to create space, as he proved too elusive for the Blues defence.

The Blues were right in it early, but the loss of No.8 Malachi Wrampling to a yellow card, later upgraded to a red, midway through the first half was a blow they didn't really recover from.