Crusaders defeat Blues to claim Super Rugby Pacific championship

The Crusaders are the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific champions, defeating the Blues 21-7 in the final at Eden Park tonight.

Crusaders celebrate a Bryn Hall try during the Final of the Super Rugby Pacific rugby match between the Blues and the Crusaders held at Eden Park.
Photo: Photosport

A sold out crowd of more than 45,000 packed into Eden Park, but the majority left disapointed as the Crusaders class shone through on their way to an 11th Super Rugby crown.

In wet conditions, the visitors overwhelming possession and territory helped them to a 13-0 halftime lead, after halfback Bryn Hall scored a try for the visitors, with Richie Mo’unga kicking a conversion and two penalties.

A failing Blues lineout also assisted the Crusaders cause.

A try to Blues halfback Finlay Christie midway through the second half gave the home fans a glimmer of hope, but it was the hosts’ only points of the night – as a try to Crusaders wing Sevu Reece in the dying stages sealed victory.

* See how the game unfolded with Jamie Wall’s live blog here

The Blues, roared on by the big home crowd, came into the rain-soaked match with 15 straight wins but were simply unable to get on the front foot and unleash their talented backs until it was too late.

It was a sixth straight title for the Crusaders under Scott Robertson after they won the past three editions of trans-continental Super Rugby and the domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa competition in the past two years.

– more to come

– RNZ/ Reuters