9:10 pm today

Isaac Hutchinson scores a try for the Chiefs against the Crusaders.

If Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes was allowed to write the script himself, he couldn't have penned a better first-half performance than the one his team produced in their 49-12 semifinal win over the Crusaders.

The Chiefs were simply sensational in the opening 40 minutes, ruthlessly racking up a scarcely believable 42-5 scoreline.

The defending champs had no answers, as the Chiefs ran in seven stunning tries to slam the gate shut on Crusaders hopes before halftime.