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Sat 4 Aug 2018 | 10:12
Crusaders win ninth Super Rugby title with convincing victory over the Lions

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The Crusaders have beaten the Lions 37-18 in Christchurch to win their ninth Super Rugby title, going back-to-back after having also beaten the Lions in last year's final. Number ten Richie Mo'unga was in outstanding form, picking up Man of the Match. 

Despite having just 30% possession and 25% territory in the first half, the Crusaders still led 20-6 at the break. That deficit, despite the Lions putting in a good effort, was always going to be too touch to track down. 

"Thanks to the Lions. They were absolutely outstanding and set the pace all year. Three years in finals is well deserved," said Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock. "It’s pretty awesome to win the trophy back-to-back and the capacity crowd was absolutely superb tonight."

Elton Jantjies misfired while Mo'unga steered the ship for the home team, picking up 17 points. 

Lions captain Warren Whiteley said. "A bit gutted, but I'm just proud of every individual who gave it everything out there.

"Credit to Sam and his team. They were unbelievable. Everything we threw at them, they stopped. We tried everything, threw the kitchen sink at them and they deserve this win."

Crusaders Super Rugby wins: 

  • 1998 vs Blues

  • 1999 vs Highlanders

  • 2000 vs Brumbies

  • 2002 vs Brumbies

  • 2005 vs Waratahs

  • 2006 vs Hurricanes

  • 2008 vs Waratahs

  • 2017 vs Lions

  • 2018 vs Lions

It was the Crusaders' first home final in a decade, which certainly aided their performance but the class shone through regardless, as the Lions - losing in their third consecutive final - never really came close to threatening yet another Crusaders title. 

Crusaders 37 (Seta Tamanivalu, David Havili, Mitchell Drummond, Scott Barrett tries; Richie Mo'unga 4 con, 3 pen)
Lions 18 (Cyle Brink, Malcolm Marx tries; Elton Jantjies con, 2 pen).

Posted By: Grant Constable

4 Comments

  • 10:10 PM 06/08/2018

    Tough break Katman. Regardless of the criticisms of the format, the Lions were worthy finalists.

    That said, you have got to question the logic of having a Plan A that revolves around forward domination, with no real Plan B. Especially when the other side has 7 All Black forwards in the starting 15, and a bench containing another 2 All Black forwards and a Wallaby forward. To put that in context: when Wyatt Crockett (the most capped Super Rugby player of all time, and outright holder of the record for most consecutive test match victories) is fit and available but not selected due to competition for places, you would hope that Swys would have taken it as a sign that the opposition boasts the mother of all forward packs, and that a real Plan B was needed.

  • pickay
    9:48 AM 06/08/2018

    "We tried everything, threw the kitchen sink at them"... pretty brutal for the Lions. Great performance by them too, and really tough when you play like this but get punished for every little mistake you make or gap you leave in defence, but it shows the class of the Crusaders. Also loved to see the Lions going at full tilt until the final whistle, good on them!

  • rememberthemer
    4:02 PM 04/08/2018

    Yeah, your boys gave it a good go but the Crusaders have been unplayable for the past 2 months or so. Must be demoralising to hammer away for 5-10 minutes and finally score. And then have the Crusaders reply in about 30 seconds with 14 men.

  • katman
    3:32 PM 04/08/2018

    Well deserved title. The Crusaders are such a polished, well-drilled team. Even the outrageous stuff doesn't look risky when they do it.

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