The Christchurch-based Crusaders overwhelmed Wellington’s Hurricanes 30-12 in a one-sided all-New Zealand match.
The Lions later beat the Waratahs 44-26, matching the Crusaders’ 18-point winning margin.
The Crusaders are back in the Super Rugby final seeking a record-extending their ninth title while the Lions are back still searching for a first.
New Zealand’s Crusaders and South Africa’s Lions set up a repeat of last year’s decider with convincing semi-final wins.
The Crusaders have already won five more Super Rugby titles than any other team, have reached the final 13 times in the tournament’s 23 seasons — more than twice as many as anyone else — and have a supreme 20-0 record in playoff games at their home ground.
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