The Crusaders are back on top of the Super Rugby Pacific mountain after a 16-12 win over the Chiefs in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Final in Christchurch.
The victory is their 13th Super Rugby title and their 32nd straight finals win at home, cementing their dynasty and standing as one of the best club sides ever.
For the Chiefs, it's heartbreak once again as they taste defeat in their third straight Final.
The hosts rallied from an early deficit to take a one-point lead into the break.
The second half was as tense as it comes, with a Rivez Reihana penalty with eight minutes left pushing the lead out to four and sealing the win.
The Crusaders were troubled early after inspirational centre David Havili went to the bin in the 12th minute.
Havili collected Emoni Narawa high, and the Chiefs took advantage of the space minutes later when prop George Dyer dived over under the posts.
The hosts, who entered the game unbeaten in finals games in Christchurch, struck back via hooker Codie Taylor as the hooker squeezed down the blindside for the response.
This awoke the Crusaders as they piled the pressure on, turning the tide, especially at set-piece time.
Two penalties to Rivez Reihana gave them the lead as their physicality took over.
The Chiefs were able to rally and respond right before the break, thanks to fullback Shaun Stevenson, as the margin was reduced to 13-12 heading into the break.
Neither side could find a way through the other as the Crusaders' scrum went to work winning several penalties to help the hosts command field position for the majority of the second half.
There were several chances for the Crusaders to ice the game, with Christian Lio-Willie held up, followed by a denied Havili try for offside.
But it was their scrum that sealed the win with a massive penalty that allowed the lead to extend to four points.
Needing a try, the Chiefs had few chances to break the Crusaders' line as the hosts celebrated their return to the title.
[Source: Rugby.com.au]
