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Crusaders survive two yellow cards against Chiefs to claim Super Rugby Aotearoa title
By AAP
The Canterbury Crusaders have fought off a courageous Waikato Chiefs 24-13 in a thrilling final to retain the Super Rugby Aotearoa title at their Christchurch Stadium fortress.
A packed house was treated to an exhibition of the best of New Zealand rugby from both sides before the hosts secured a 12th Super Rugby title, a second in the domestic edition and a fifth in a row.
Winger Sevu Reece and fullback Will Jordan scored tries in the first 16 minutes but thereafter the Crusaders - reduced to 13 men in the second half - had to rely on the boot of their fellow All Black, five-eighth Richie Mo'unga, to keep the Chiefs at arm's length.
Damian McKenzie scored all the points for the Chiefs, converting his own try and kicking two penalties, but the fullback will rue his usual accuracy from the tee deserting him for a period around halftime when he missed three shots at goal.
Crusaders 24 (Tries to Sevu Reece and Will Jordan; conversion, 3 penalties and drop goal to Richie Mo'unga; yellow cards to Codie Taylor and Reece)
Chiefs 13 (Try to Damian McKenzie; conversion and 2 penalties to McKenzie)
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Latest Comments
What’s the bet that if Ireland lose we’ll have a bunch of people blaming Rob Kearney for it?
This might pizz the All Blacks off but it won’t make George Bell throw the ball any straighter or Rieko pass the ball to his wings more often.
Go to commentsNot if you look at where the increases are happening for NZR. Apparently the biggest increase in participation was in the junior ranks and has been attributed to the extra cash that tier has received from the private equity deal NZR signed. Clubs are reducing fees dramatically and thats bringing more into the clubs. Counties club had a 200% increase in enrollments for U7s as they made it free.
Yes NRL is always hanging around schoolboy rugby tho. I see the NRL as more of a threat at SR level where the fringe players are signing for either NRL or Japan etc.
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