The Super 14 lived up to the hype and produced a pulsating final. Crusaders had the majority of possession and territory in the first half but still went in trailing by 11-12 thanks to two tries by Lachie Turner for the Waratahs with Kurtley Beale converting one. Whilst the Crusaders points came from 2 penalties to Dan Carter and a try to Mose Tuiali’i.
The second half and possession equalled out but Crusaders were turning the screw. Although they had a try disallowed through foul play and lost lock Thorn to the bin for 10 minutes, Waratahs could not capitalise and the Crusaders won the second half through a Carter drop goal and 2 penalties. Defence was very much the key on the day but with 29 minutes to 9 in the opposition 22 there is no doubt that the Crusaders deserved their seventh title. The final score was:
Crusaders 20 Waratahs 12