The Hurricanes have been unable to halt the progress of the defending Investec Super Rugby champion Crusaders after they lost Saturday night's semi-final 30-12 in Christchurch.

It was not the way the club wanted to send off head coach Chris Boyd and captain Brad Shields but they both declared the Crusaders were simply too good at AMI Stadium.

"It was a tough night," Shields, who will head to English club Wasps, admitted.

The Hurricanes threw everything they had at the Crusaders after they conceeded the first try and were rewarded when Julian Savea crossed for his 50th Super Rugby try to level the scores.

While the Hurricanes put plenty of pressure on the home side for large parts of the first half they could not turn pressure into points, something the Crusaders did more effectively.

For most of the season sides have struggled to stop the Crusaders from scoring either side of halftime and they again showed their ruthless streak to do the same to the Hurricanes.

There was no shortage of effort from the Hurricanes but they struggled to contain the Crusaders who were impressive with the front foot ball they enjoyed.

Boyd cleared the bench in a bid to turn things around but the Crusaders continued to dominate territory and they took their chances to estabish a 30-7 lead.

The Hurricanes did manage a late try, wing Ben Lam's 16th of the season, but it was not enough to deny the Crusaders another final appearance.

As well as wishing Boyd and Shields all the best, the Hurricanes thank Savea, lock Michael Fatialofa, first five-eighth Ihaia West and loose forward Blade Thomson for all they have done for the club.

Crusaders 30 (Richie Mo'unga, George Bridge, David Havili, Braydon Ennor tries; Mo'unga 2 con, 2 pen) Hurricanes 12 (Julian Savea, Ben Lam tries; Beauden Barrett con). HT: 18-7