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Whitelock proud of champion Crusaders
By Christopher Devine
Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock hailed the "true grit" of his side after they claimed an eighth Super Rugby crown with victory over the Lions in Johannesburg.
Although the hosts staged an admirable late fightback with 14 men after falling 22 points down and losing Kwagga Smith to a 39th-minute red card, the Crusaders were able to triumph 25-17.
"I'm just so proud of the boys and the way they've fronted [up], especially today," said Whitelock during the post-match presentation.
"It's just been an amazing year. The Lions are a great side, they've shown it all year. They've scored a massive amount of points. We knew we had to keep playing, keep attacking.
"Full credit to them, they put us under a massive amount of pressure. The boys just showed their true grit that I know they have."
Lions skipper Jaco Kriel was gracious in defeat and showed emotion as he paid tribute to the club's outgoing players and coach Johan Ackermann, who will now take over Premiership side Gloucester.
"It was really an incredible year for us. I'm really proud of every single one of them," said Kriel after the Lions' second successive final loss.
"It's not the way we want to send out our players that are going away and it's not the way we want to send away coach, but we really love them and we wish them all the best.
"Well done to the Crusaders, they're a championship side."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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