Crusaders claim inaugural Super 14 title

The Crusaders have claimed the first Super 14 title, in bizarre playing conditions, with a 19-12 victory against the Hurricanes at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

The Stadium dubbed in New Zealand’s South as the ‘House of Pain’ lived up to that reputation as the ground was invaded, not by spectators but by heavy fog that blanketed most of the playing field.

Despite the confusion the game preceded, Crusaders Rugby chiefs say it would be awkward to re-schedule, even if it was delayed for approximately 18 hours and played on Sunday afternoon instead.

They took into account that the supporters may have other things on, likewise with caterers and the broadcasting networks – both TV and radio.

Like the host TV broadcaster Sky TV, those in the crowd would have found it tough indeed to see what was actually going on, maybe Christchurch needs an indoor stadium similar to the Cardiff Stadium or Melbourne’s Dome.

While many supporters left amidst the appalling conditions, those who stayed were treated to an historic occasion as the two teams ran out.

Only one try was scored, and that came in the 62nd minute to Crusaders centre Casey Laulala. Both teams took penalty goal attempts when they appeared close enough, while the goalposts could be seen several shots narrowly missed.

The Crusaders dominated the possession and territory counts throughout the match despite the Hurricanes posting the first points of the game with a ruck infringement penalty goal to Piri Weepu.

Minutes earlier, David Howell took aim from long way out and watched in horror as the ball went between the posts but under the crossbar.

The conditions proved costly for the Hurricanes, who lost two key players in the slippery conditions. A knee injury saw prop Neemia Tialata, which was followed by concussion to halfback Weepu, saw both spend the remainder of the match as onlookers from the reserve bench.

With a staggering 80% average of territorial advantage the Crusaders went close many times to scoring a try. Leon McDonald went closest in the first half only to be tackled in the corner.

Back to back penalties from Daniel Carter just before the main interval put the Crusaders ahead 6-3. While many were outraged, the game continued for the final 40 minutes as the champion team was destined to be proclaimed tonight rather at another time.

The Crusaders forwards were found to be offside, early in the second half, and David Holwell took aim and levelled the scores. However, the lead was short-lived as Carter replied at the other end three minutes later when the Hurricanes were offside.

Amidst the heavy fog, powerful Hurricane centre Ma’a Nonu burst through the middle, before the Crusaders infringed. Replacement five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth took aim from 38 metres and levelled the scores for the third time on the night.

Crusaders winger Shannon Paku narrowly missed his chance at crossing for the first try after some great lead up work by his teammates, who had won the preceding scrum against the feed.

However, the immense pressure soon took its toll on the Hurricanes, as Laulala slipped through a couple of tacklers to plant the ball over the try-line. Carter converted which put the Crusaders out to a 16-9 lead with 18 minutes remaining.

Any hope the Hurricanes had of snatching victory was dashed by a simple error in tackling from Nonu, on Crusaders winger Rico Gear, allowed the home team to skip ahead by another three points when Carter slotted over the penalty goal attempt.

Gopperth landed a late penalty goal, however, down by seven points time ran out on the Wellington based team’s aspirations to send the match into extra time, with the Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw holding high the trophy, the team's sixth from the 11 Super Rugby finals.

After the game, Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said, “I believe this has been our best performance to date. It's a remarkable performance and I think that belief showed out there tonight.”

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper summed up the night perfectly when he said, “Those little things become big things and at the end of the day that is what cost us the game, ill-discipline and a missed tackle.”

When asked about the conditions he said, “It was disruptive for both teams, it's about adapting, and there’s no excuses. The Crusaders adapted better than we did.”

Next on the Rugby schedule, is the annual International Test season, with New Zealand hosting Ireland in a two-match series before tackling the Australians and South Africans in the expanded Tri-Nations tournament.

Super 14 action returns next February with details to the draw of the dates, match times and venues due out later this year.

What we do know is the Crusaders title defense kicks off against the Blues in Auckland, while the Hurricanes are away to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

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