The Chiefs will host the Brumbies in the Super Rugby final at Hamilton next Saturday.
In Saturday night's semi-final, the defending champion Chiefs outscored the Crusaders two tries to one at Waikato stadium, to win 20-19. The score was 3-9 at half-time.
AAP reports the result was similar to last year's win by 20-17 over the same opponents.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said the game could have gone either way, (but) the Chiefs deserved the victory.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said his team was fortunate to have home advantage. He said he's proud of the effort, but the Chiefs will need to back it up next week in the final.
In the other semi-final, a last minute try to the Brumbies in Pretoria, South Africa, gave them a win by 26-23 over the Bulls. It will be their first Super Rugby final in nine years.
The Australians led 16-11 at half-time.
