Crusaders beat the Chiefs 25-20 in the Super Rugby Pacific final to clinch their seventh successive title, with hooker Codie Taylor crossing for the winning score late in the game after his side had found themselves behind after an hour.
Last Updated: 24/06/23 11:03am
Crusader players celebrate after defeating the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final
The Crusaders put a seal on one of the great eras of rugby domination with a 25-20 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final, sending coach Scott Robertson off to the All Blacks with a seventh straight title.
The Christchurch-based powerhouse handed the Chiefs only a second loss of the season to silence a full house at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium and secure a 14th Super Rugby title of all types.
Hooker Codie Taylor crossed for the second time in the 73rd minute for the winning score and the Crusaders held off the Chiefs, reduced to 14 men for the third time in the match, to snatch the victory.
The Chiefs had tries from fullback Shaun Stevenson and flying winger Emoni Narawa and held a 20-15 lead on the hour mark, but fell short in their bid for a first Super Rugby title since they went back-to-back in 2012-13.
As well as coach Robertson, who will take over at the All Blacks after the World Cup, the Crusaders were bidding farewell to three players who helped build the dynasty in Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga and Leicester Fainga’anuku.
“I’m lost for words, I’m so proud of the effort,” said an emotional Taylor.
“I can’t get the fact that the boys are leaving out of my head and how much it means to …