HAMILTON, New Zealand — Prop Sona Taumalolo scored his ninth try of the season to help the Waikato Chiefs to a 20-17 win over the Canterbury Crusaders in a Super 15 semifinal Friday, powering the Chiefs into a Super rugby final for only the second time. Flanker Liam Messam also scored a try for the Chiefs who were playing in a semifinal for the third time in 17 years and who overcame the immense experience of the Crusaders to keep alive their bid for a first-ever title. All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter kicked four penalties for the Crusaders but missed a vital goal with four minutes remaining which might have leveled the scores and forced the game to extra time. The Chiefs will now play the winner of Saturday's second semifinal between South Africa's Stormers and Sharks - in Cape Town if the Stormers win or at Hamilton if the Sharks prevail. The Chiefs led throughout Friday's match, played in front of more than 30,000 fans at Waikato Stadium, opening the scoring with a penalty to flyhalf Aaron Cruden in the second minute and never conceding their advantage. While Waikato played the game at an almost frenzied pace and with great attacking skill, notably threating the Crusaders through the line-breaking ability of Cruden, Messam, Sonny Bill Williams and winger Robbie Robinson, it was the Chiefs' defense that won the match. The game was ruggedly physical and often spiteful. There were frequent flare-ups between players and South African referee Craig Joubert — who controlled last year's World Cup final — was at pains to keep a lid on emotions. — AP
