Whitelock proud of champion Crusaders

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."