Fullback Johnny McNicholl scored a hat-trick of tries as the Canterbury Crusaders beat the ill-disciplined Auckland Blues 52-31 on Saturday to book a place in the Super Rugby semi-finals.

The defending champions brought up a half-century of points at their new Te Kaha fortress.

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final action from Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.

The Crusaders host rivals the Blues for a confirmed spot in the semi-finals.

Fullback Johnny McNicholl scored a hat-trick of tries as the Canterbury Crusaders beat the ill-disciplined Auckland Blues 52-31 on Saturday to book a place in the Super Rugby…

The Waikato Chiefs and Canterbury Crusaders powered to handsome Super Rugby play-off wins on Saturday to ensure four New Zealand teams will contest the semi-finals.

June 6 : The Canterbury Crusaders and Waikato Chiefs joined the Wellington Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals on Saturday, taking the Auckland Blues through with…