Seven up for Crusaders
The Crusaders have clinched their seventh Super Rugby title after beating a determined Waratahs outfit 20-12 in Christchurch.
Last Updated: 31/05/08 11:21am
The Crusaders have clinched their seventh Super Rugby title after beating a determined Waratahs outfit 20-12 in Christchurch.
Dan Carter was once again the key to victory, the All Blacks fly-half kicking four penalties and a drop-goal for a personal tally of 15 points.
It was a fitting send-off for Crusaders coach Robbie Deans who ends his nine-year reign in style before crossing the Tasman to take charge of Australia.
The same couldn't be said of Ewen MacKenzie, who departs the Waratahs with a losers medal.
But he can hold his head up high after his troops pushed the Crusaders all the way, holding a one-point lead at the interval.
Indeed, the Waratahs exploded out of the traps to build a 12-3 lead via a brace of tries from winger Lachlan Turner only for canny work from the serial champions turned the tide in the second half.
A second well-struck Carter penalty coupled with a late try to number eight Mose Tuiali'i on the stroke of half-time closed the gap.
The Waratahs failed to add to their tally in the second half, even with their opponents down to fourteen men.
Instead, Carter's boot proved the difference between the two sides as the classy Crusaders stormed to glory after a thrilling showpiece in Christchurch.
"Towards the end of the round robin (our defence) was letting us down," Crusaders and New Zealand captain Richie McCaw said.
"So last week (in the semi-final) we took a step up and tonight the hits that were going in were just outstanding."
