The Crusaders have claimed the inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa title after defeating the Highlanders 32-22 in a thriller this afternoon.
Takina Te Kawa.
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) August 9, 2020
Incredible @crusadersrugby.
Investec #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/pgw2O1dykP
The Crusaders were trailing for large parts of the match before finishing strongly to claim the title.
"14 TRY Crusaders!!! Richie goes under the horns after a blistering break from Sevu! Magic! 7-7. #CRUvHIG #Crusadeon #Foreachother pic.twitter.com/X5aTsGqSc7
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) August 9, 2020
The Highlanders scored the first try through Shannon Frizell.
Richie Mo’unga then scored for the Crusaders to level the scores.
"54 Try Highlanders, Michael Collins. 13-22. #Crusadeon #Foreachother #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/cq6eyLZrkf
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) August 9, 2020
Jona Nareki intercepted a pass from Sam Whitelock and raced away from fellow Fijian Sevu Reece to score the Highlanders second try as they led the Crusaders 17-13 at the break.
Michael Collins crossed over for the Highlanders just 5 minutes into the second half to extend their lead to 22-13.
"61 TRY Crusaders!!! George Bridge goes over in the corner, we needed that! 20-22, huge final 20 minutes! #Crusadeon #Foreachother #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/E2VXEZHHII
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) August 9, 2020
Back to back tries from George Bridge gave the Crusaders a 25-22 lead with 15 minutes left to go.
Braydon Ennor’s try in the 75th minute sealed the victory for the Crusaders.
Did someone say Deja Vu..?!?! George Bridge goes over again in the corner after another Will Jordan set up! 25-20 #Crusadeon #Foreachother #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/g5y7OJnPhw
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) August 9, 2020
Crusaders captain Codie Taylor says holding the Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy is special.
"76 TRY Crusaders!!!! Braydon Ennor goes over after some intense pressure in the 22! 32-22. #OnehandonTheTrophy 🍾 #Crusadeon #Foreachother #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/rhl5s32xZ4
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) August 9, 2020
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