It was an emotional Super Rugby Pacific victory for the Crusaders, who waved goodbye some legends of the franchise after they beat the Chiefs.
Heading to the home of this season’s dominant side, who had only lost once all season, Scott Robertson’s men produced a stunning display to lift the title.
It was their seventh Super Rugby trophy under the brilliant Robertson, who now departs to become the All Blacks head coach after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock are two key players that will also leave following the global tournament, and Scott Barrett praised his team-mates.
Great send-off
“There’s two guys who have given a lot to this jersey, Richie and Sam, and I think it’s an awesome way to send them off, as well as some of the coaching group,” Barrett told reporters.
Mo’unga was understandably emotional after playing a key role in yet another title. He will leave for Japanese outfit Toshiba Brave Lupus later this year.
“Man, this club’s my life, it really is my whole life, the best in the world, I’m just so proud to be a Crusader,” the fly-half said.
It has been one of the Crusaders’ toughest seasons having had to deal with a lengthy injury list throughout the campaign.
They have gradually improved as the season has gone on, however, and peaked at just the right time to beat the Chiefs for the first time this year.
Going through hell
“We talked about going to heaven this year, but we had to go through hell first,” hooker Codie Taylor said.
“I think we did that earlier in the season and then really finished it off tonight. It wasn’t easy, but it’s something special.”
Meanwhile, Barrett credited the coaches for their ability to manage the situation and bring through the less experienced players.
“We probably had the longest list of injuries, but we didn’t want to make that an excuse, and we just trusted the next guy,” the lock added.
“The coaches did a great job at upskilling the young boys coming in, and there’s plenty of debutants as well, so proud of them.”
READ MORE: Five takeaways from the Super Rugby Pacific final
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