The Crusaders claimed their second Super Rugby Aotearoa crown in as many years of the competitions existence, as flyhlaf Richie Mo'unga put in a master class to lead his side to victory against a resurgent Chiefs side. Coming out 24-13 victors at the end of the clash was not guaranteed, as two yellow cards and a number of penalties had the men in red on the back foot in the second half.
All Black's Sevu Reece and Code Taylor were both sent to the sin bin in the second half as the Crusaders were reduced to 13 men. The Chiefs however failed to capitalise on the reduced numbers only scoring 3 points, which were quickly atoned for when Mo'unga slotted a drop goal. Once all the players were back on the park, the Crusaders were ahead 21-13 and the tempo of the match was quickly raised, despite the rain that began to fall. A penalty with 12 minutes left on the clock meant it was all but over for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs had an amazing turn around in their season as they came into form, surprising most teams in the dying minutes of the contest with some Damian McKenzie magic, however the star player struggled with the boot on the day and will be left to rue his 3 missed penalties at a time when momentum was on their side. It wasn't all doom and gloom for the player however as he scored all of his sides points in the contest, with a stunning try in the corner.
The class of this Crusaders side however can not be understated as head coach Scott Robertson, fondly known as Razor manages to get the best out of his players week in and week out. The Crusaders maul looked unstoppable both on attack and defence, and the pace at which the team transitions between attack and defence shows their killer instinct.
All tied together by pivot Richie Mo'unga, once the side gets their noses in front, they hardly look back as they take it up a gear and seem to play at a pace most teams simply can't compete at. They team from Christchurch will celebrate this trophy tonight as they add it to their previous 10 Super Rugby titles.