Month: March 2019

Re-live last year’s dramatic Super Rugby final between the Lions and Crusaders.

Video credit: All Blacks

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The Bulls have revealed that interest has been shown in the services of head coach John Mitchell for the England defence coach position.

England coach Eddie Jones is currently looking to fill the void vacated by the recently-departed Paul Gustard, who left for Harlequins to take up a role as head of rugby at the London club.

Meanwhile, a Bulls tweet has sparked rumours of Mitchell leaving the Pretoria-based club after just one year at the helm. Mitchell has previously been defence coach of England between 1997 and 2000, while he has also coached the All Blacks.

“The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo) would like to confirm that John Mitchell informed us that interest was shown in his services. No formal offer has however been received,” the tweet read.

Mitchell has reportedly been at loggerheads with the Bulls board after he requested R90million to bolster the squad.

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The Lions will be looking to upset the odds in a repeat of last year’s Super Rugby final when they face the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

Swys de Bruin’s men come up against a Crusaders side that hasn’t lost a play-off fixture at home in 20 consecutive matches. Meanwhile, the defending champions have won nine of their last 10 fixtures against the Lions.

But the South African side will take confidence from the fact that each of the Crusaders’ last three wins have come by a margin of no greater than eight points.

This game will mark the first time in Super Rugby history that consecutive finals have been contested by the same teams, with the Crusaders pulling off a 25-17 win over the Lions in the 2017 edition.

The sides have met since that 2017 final, with the Crusaders emerging 14-8 victors in Johannesburg in Round Seven earlier this season. That was a third loss in four games at the time for the Lions, who looked like a shadow of their former selves. However, they have sorted out those early season woes and look the formidable outfit of the past three seasons once again.

The Lions undoubtedly have the best driving maul in the competition and a scrum probably only bettered by the Crusaders, so it should be a titanic battle up front.

However, the men from Johannesburg must improve on their tackle success rate of 82 percent if they are to stifle the Crusaders’ lethal attack that has scored 86 tries, second only to the Lions’ tally of 87 for the season.

The Crusaders are brilliant starters, whereas the Lions are poor in the early exchanges, having gone behind in their last three matches against the Bulls, Jaguares and Waratahs only to emerge victorious on each occasion.

The Lions know that they can ill-afford to start poorly again, as the Crusaders are far less likely to let them back into the game. It will be interesting to see how the Crusaders will deal with the Lions’ driving maul and whether they will be able to stop this threat legally. Needless to say, 33-year-old Angus Gardner will have a big task on his hands in his maiden Super Rugby final.

The last time the teams met: The Lions scored in the 14th minute through a Madosh Tambwe try but would have little else to celebrate from there as the Crusaders outscored them by 14 points to three in the second half. Sam Whitelock and Jack Goodhue got themselves on the scoresheet for the defending champions in that game earlier this season.

Players to watch:

For Crusaders: Seta Tamanivalu did well in keeping Ben Lam quiet for the most part last weekend and will have his hands full this weekend as he fronts up against Courtnall Skosan. But it is Tamanivalu that the Lions should keep an eye on, as the ‘Saders finisher ran 116 metres with ball in hand, beat four defenders and scored a try in last year’s final in Johannesburg.

For Lions: The aforementioned Courtnall Skosan gets a start after his fantastic performance off the bench last weekend with promotion to the XV. Having replaced the injured Aphiwe Dyantyi at half-time in the semi-final victory over the Waratahs, Skosan looked a constant threat with ball in hand and managed to score a try just before the end.

Team news: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made just one change to his starting XV. In the number six jersey, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis will start in place of the injured loose forward Jordan Taufua, who fractured his arm in the semi-final victory over the Hurricanes.

Last weekend’s reserve hooker, Seb Siataga, also fractured his arm in that match and has been replaced by Sam Anderson-Heather as back-up to Codie Taylor.

In total, 19 of the Crusaders’ matchday 23 named for this Saturday, were also involved in last year’s final against the same opposition in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, Courtnall Skosan has been promoted to the Lions’ starting XV in place of Aphiwe Dyantyi.

Skosan came on at half-time for Dyantyi in last weekend’s 44-26 semi-final win against the Waratahs and this time will start ahead of Dyantyi, who has been battling a hamstring niggle in the build-up to the game.

In the only other change to the starting side, Cyle Brink replaces Lourens Erasmus at flanker.

Lions coach Swys de Bruin said it was an “honour” to play the Crusaders in the final.

“They’re a very good team and they deserve to be in first place,” he told reporters in Christchurch.

“We’ll have to bring our A-game and more. Apart from that we have a huge respect for them and what they stand for and how they play. It will be an honour for us to play against them.”

Form: The defending champions have won their last 14 games in a row and come into the match in terrific form. They are two wins away from breaking their longest winning streak record of 16 between April 2005 and April 2006.

Meanwhile, the Lions are peaking just at the right time. They’ve won five of their last six and their last three on the bounce.

Previous results:

2018: Crusaders won 14-8 in Johannesburg
2017: Crusaders won 25-17 in Johannesburg
2016: Lions won 42-25 in Johannesburg
2016: Crusaders won 43-37 in Johannesburg
2015: Crusaders won 34-6 in Christchurch
2014: Crusaders won 28-7 in Johannesburg
2012: Crusaders won 23-13 in Johannesburg
2010: Crusaders won 46-19 in Christchurch

Prediction: The hosts to cement their status as one of the best Super Rugby sides ever. Crusaders by eight.

The teams:

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques van Rooyen
Replacements: 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Marnus Schoeman, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 23 Howard Mnisi

Date: Saturday, August 4
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Glen Jackson, Nic Berry
TMO: Shane McDermott

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Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson will lead a strong coaching team in 2019 that includes the return home of one of the franchise’s favourite sons.

Chris Whitaker and assistant coach (Forwards and Contact) Simon Cron will join Gibson while 2018 assistant coach (Backs and Attack), Chris Malone, was farewelled in Johannesburg last weekend following the Waratahs’ Super Rugby semi-final match against the Lions.

Whitaker’s return to Sydney follows two years as co-head coach of French club Montauban, and stints with Stade Français and Irish club side Leinster.

As a player, he played in 118 games for New South Wales (NSW), including 107 for the NSW Waratahs, 48 internationals for Australia between 1998 and 2005, and also represented the Barbarians and Leinster.

Speaking from France, Whitaker said he was relishing the opportunity to return to NSW and be part of the State’s coach development pathway.

“The knowledge and experience you gain overseas is great but it is time for me to come home and contribute to the game and a State that has given so much to me and my family throughout my career,” he told the Waratahs’ official website.

“Rugby in Australia is improving and I couldn’t pass on the chance to help further develop and grow the potential we have here,” Whitaker said.

Gibson’s contract extension for 2019 follows a remarkable 2018 Super Rugby campaign, in which the NSW Waratahs finished in the competition’s top four.

“I am really proud of how this team has developed and improved over the past 12 months to make the final four,” he said.

“While our goal was to bring the Super Rugby trophy home, we can hold our heads high and reflect on a season in which we made massive inroads both on and off the field. The job is not done yet but we are excited about what’s to come,” said Gibson, who will be responsible for the attack portfolio.”

Simon Cron will continue as forwards and contact skills coach.

Malone’s departure follows three years with the NSW Waratahs.

Today, Gibson paid tribute to Malone’s contribution.

“Nobby has been an integral part of our team and the work that he has done with our backs and overall contribution to the success of the team has been immense. We wish him all the very best as he forges a new career that he is very excited about,” said Gibson.

Malone said he valued his time with the NSW Waratahs.

“It’s been fantastic to see the team come together this year and delivering on our potential,” he revealed.

“We are absolutely gutted we didn’t get through to the final but we can be proud of how we have played the game this year, including setting a new record by being the first NSW Waratahs team to score over 600 points in a season, along the way entertaining our members and fans, and representing our State with pride. One of the highlights for me this year was to hear the NSW chant at our games and it shows that rugby is getting the recognition it deserves.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the team and the organisation, there are a lot of good people here, and I leave knowing that the game in this State is in good hands.”

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On the back of Commonwealth Games gold and World Cup victory, Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson and Joe Webber have all re-committed to the All Blacks Sevens through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The three senior members of the All Blacks Sevens are the first to commit through to 2020 laying the foundation for coach Clark Laidlaw’s squad.

Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson co-captained the All Blacks Sevens throughout the 2017/18 campaign, leading the team to Commonwealth Games gold, World Cup victory and third place on the World Series.

Joe Webber’s season was struck short with an arthritic infection ruling him out of the Commonwealth Games and the remaining tournaments of the season. The exciting playmaker is recovering and set to return to the sevens field next season.

Laidlaw said the three players will form a core base of the squad heading into the next two seasons.

“It’s good news for our team to lock in three senior players as we build a squad that can qualify for the Olympics,” he told the All Blacks’ official website.

“Having that experience in our group is not only hugely important but hugely exciting as well.”

The co-captaincy of Mikkelson and Curry has been a big part of the team’s recent success said Laidlaw.

“Both Tim and Scott have worked incredibly well together both on and off the field,” he explained.

“They have grown as leaders this season, and they have grown other leaders within our group and that’s a big driver of the success we have had.”

While Webber’s season was curtailed by injury, Laidlaw believes he will be a key component in the All Blacks Sevens going forward.

“He is one of the best attacking players in the world and I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet,” he added.

“He’s been unfortunate this year with his illness but his attitude in that time has been so positive; he’s the heartbeat of this team.”

The work now continues to build the squad going into the 2018/19 season.

“We want to keep the majority of the squad here because that experience is important in a qualification year,” said Laidlaw.

“In saying that, we are open minded and looking forward to watching provincial, representative and schoolboy rugby over the next couple of months to see if there are players that could add value in our environment.”

The All Blacks Sevens players are currently on leave, they start their season at the Oceania Sevens in November, before the first leg of the World Series in Dubai.

Curry is the current co-captain of the All Blacks Sevens and made his debut for the team in Dubai in 2010. Since then he has been a key member of the team, taking over captaincy from DJ Forbes in 2015.

The same year he was named New Zealand Sevens Player of the Year. A natural athlete, Curry is known for is work rate and relentless nature on the field. Curry was named player of the final at the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and named in the tournament team.

Mikkelson has been a standout performer for the All Blacks Sevens since making his debut in 2008 where he ran in 10 tries in his first three tournaments.

He has crossed the line more times than any other New Zealand Sevens player and is in the top five highest try scorers in Sevens Series history. His stunning form in 2013 when New Zealand won the Sevens Series and the Sevens Rugby World Cup in Moscow saw him named IRB Sevens Player of the Year.

The current co-captain has been part of the team that has won five Sevens Series titles, two World Cups and two Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Strong and quick, Webber has all the skills needed for sevens which saw him make his debut for New Zealand in the 2011/2012 World Series.

The Bay of Plenty provincial player has had an impressive representative career, being selected for the Maori All Blacks in 2014 and earlier, New Zealand Schools and New Zealand U20 in 2013.

Webber currently plays Mitre 10 Cup for Bay of Plenty and was a key member of the team that went through to the Championship final. Earlier in the year he played for the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians against the British & Irish Lions.

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Wasps back-row Nizaam Carr says he is feeling rejuvenated ahead of the Premiership season and delighted to be back in his second stint at the Ricoh Arena.

Carr impressed on a three-month loan deal last season, in which he featured prominently in the Premiership and Champions Cup for the Coventry side, providing a more than adequate replacement for the injured Nathan Hughes in the number eight jersey.

This season the 27-year-old will have another crack at Europe’s premier elite competition and at yesterday’s kit launch for the 2018/2019 season, it was quite clear that the Capetonian was relishing the occasion.

“It actually feels like yesterday,” Carr said of the last time he was at the Ricoh.

“I’ve got the same place I am staying at. as I was before. My wife has come over with me and I know a few boys at the club now so it’s easier for me to settle in at the club quicker.

“I am glad about that, I am glad to be back and I am looking forward to the season.

“My wife and my dad were here with me last time, it was nice to have him here as well. They’ve sacrificed a lot for me to get where I am today, to have them here is nice and pleasing for me. It makes it more relaxing and comfortable having her here.

“It’s easier to cook food now, I don’t have to run to Nando’s to get a healthy meal!

“My family is also coming to visit soon and I am looking forward to that as well.”

He is one of four high-profile Wasps’ signings, with Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga and Ambrose Curtis also joining Dai Young’s side.

Carr might not have been able to get stuck in to pre-season training had the Stormers managed to advance past the group stages of Super Rugby.

The Cape Town outfit were not able to make the playoffs, meaning Carr is refreshed after a long break and raring to go.

“Unfortunately we were kicked out early in the tournament,” said Carr.

“But I had three weeks off, I feel rejuvenated, fresh in the mind.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with the family and they’re head over here too so I feel fresh and ready to go.

“Even though I played through the season, I only had five days off when I returned back in South Africa earlier this season and went straight back into Super Rugby.

“But that’s over now, that’s in the past, and I am looking forward to this season.”

Asked about the weather compared to Cape Town at the moment, Carr said: “It’s actually a bit cold in Cape Town, obviously with winter, so I am glad to catch some sun.

“I was actually surprised on my first night, the sun was still out at about 9pm and I am not used to that.

“When I was here last year, the sun was busy going down at 4pm or 4.30pm, it was gone, it’s nice!”

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Ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and Lions in Christchurch, we pick out five battles that could shape the game.

Cutting the clashes down to five was a difficult job as there are tussles aplenty that will intrigue at AMI Stadium. Here’s our selection.

Sam Whitelock v Franco Mostert: The set-piece is especially vital in winner-take-all matches such as finals and that’s why we kick off at lock as Whitelock faces Mostert. Mostert has made the most lineout takes in Super Rugby this season with 98 and with Malcolm Marx – to be mentioned later – solid with his throwing, the Lions need that combination to fire. Incredibly Mostert has made the most tackles in 2018 too with 214 but comes up against a highly intelligent and effective rival in captain Whitelock. He’ll look to upset this Lions strength while putting in a typical workmanlike shift around the field. Whitelock’s combination with Scott Barrett is the best in the competition.

Codie Taylor v Malcolm Marx: As mentioned Marx has been in impressive form with his throwing this year, with a competition high 90 percent line-out success rate. Taylor is just three percent behind in that area but it’s the duo’s work elsewhere that whets the appetite, as they are both outstanding in open play. They have pace, power, dynamism and skill and right now are arguably the best two hookers in the world. Marx has scored an impressive 11 tries in Super Rugby 2018, which is the same as Israel Folau in fourth place, and with both sides having been fearsome with their driving maul this campaign, expect Taylor and Marx to be sniffing scores. A truly titanic battle up front awaits.

Richie Mo’unga v Elton Jantjies: It says a lot that Mo’unga’s form in 2018 has now put pressure on Beauden Barrett for the All Black fly-half jersey, something that would have been unthinkable last year. But, the Crusaders playmaker has been outstanding with his running and distribution causing defences ample problems. His progress from Canterbury to the Crusaders and then New Zealand has been swift and this final could be a yardstick moment. If he dominates Jantjies as he did Barrett last week then the ‘Saders should claim the title. Jantjies, meanwhile, has to be error-free as, although he played well last week, there were moments that, if repeated, would dent the Lions’ slim hopes.

Matt Todd v Kwagga Smith: Back into the pack we go and it’s the battle on the openside that should be a treat on Saturday. Matt Todd made 21 tackles against the Hurricanes in the semi-final, the most of any player last weekend; he’s now made 179 tackles for the season, which is the most of any Crusaders player. Arguably the most patient rugby player over recent years after he waited in the shadows for regular starts due to a certain Richie McCaw’s presence, but now he’s in, his game has kicked on. He faces a unique talent in Smith, whose time on the Sevens scene adds to his talents. Such pace and knowledge of space with his option taking, he’ll hope to make amends for 2017’s final.

George Bridge v Ruan Combrinck: We conclude out wide where one of the competition’s deadly finishers clashes with a Lions wing who is not to be underestimated. Bridge has 15 tries thus far this season, which is one behind leader Ben Lam, and has been one of the most improved players in Super Rugby 2018. He’s gained confidence as the campaign has worn on and we’re therefore seeing a lot more of his roaming style at the moment, which could hurt the Lions on Saturday. He faces a man who has fallen out of favour with the Springboks due to a combination of injury and form but what better time to lay down a marker than this weekend. Combrinck’s power in one-on-ones make him a serious threat.

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Flanker Chris Fusaro has signed a new one-year contract with Glasgow Warriors, extending his time at the club to nine years.

The 29-year-old has played 142 times for the Warriors, including 17 appearances under Dave Rennie last season, the new Head Coach selecting Fusaro for the Coaches Award at the club’s end of season dinner in May.

The Scotland international made his debut for his country against England in 2014 going on to play against Italy, Argentina and South Africa.

A product of Bell Baxter High School and the Howe of Fife Rugby Club he won the Bell Lawries Scottish Schools Cup and the Youth League Final for his school and club respectively in 2007.

Last season, Fusaro ran out for Stirling County in the BT Premiership when not playing for the Warriors and was also an Assistant Coach at the Bridgehaugh club helping them reach the BT Cup Final.

Meanwhile, lock Kiran McDonald sustained a hand injury during pre-season training and has successfully undergone surgery.

The 23-year old is will be out of action for a minimum of four months.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org Chris Fusaro said: “It’s an absolute delight to sign again for me and the family. I’ve got two young kids who were born in Glasgow, this is definitely home so to be able to stay another year is a real privilege.

“It was really good last season having a different perspective from a new coach coming in, the brand of rugby he has got us playing really excites me.

“Physically I feel the best I have in the past four years. I’ve managed to stay relatively injury free and am raring to go for the start of the season.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Chris won our Coaches Award last year which is dished out to the person we feel best represents the values of the club on and off the field.

“His contributions around the team are massive. From a playing perspective he’s setting personal bests for speed and strength and had showed good form on the park last season.

“He was a must in our 23 for all the big games at the end of last season and it was important for us to find space in the squad for Fuzzy and we’re rapt that we’ve been able to do that.”

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With Super Rugby reaching the showpiece event, we take a look at the best bets from the Crusaders v Lions encounter in Christchurch on Saturday.

Crusaders v Lions

According to the overall table, the two best sides have reached the showpiece event, but most are quite rightly struggling to see how the South Africans can win this one.

To their credit, Swys de Bruin’s men have improved after a poor mid-season run put their place at the top of the South African conference under threat. The Jaguares pressurised the Johannesburg outfit until a late surge saw the Lions finish at the summit of the division.

Having duly emerged with comfortable victories in the knockout rounds over the Argentinians and the Waratahs, it has almost justified what most believe is a farcical system.

Before the play-offs, you would have queried the Lions being seeded second, and thus giving them an easier route to the final, but they have proved themselves in the knockout stages. While one half of the draw placed the Crusaders, Hurricanes and Chiefs on the same side, the latter two appeared a step below the defending champions and their opponents in the final.

With the ‘Canes and Chiefs struggling up front, De Bruin’s charges would have backed themselves to overcome those former winners of the competition. The issue for this weekend’s visitors comes with the fact that Scott Robertson’s outfit are arguably one of the best Super Rugby teams ever.

In the pack, they have an international front five while number eight Kieran Read is a great of the game. Behind the scrum, they are also fearsome. Although Ryan Crotty is the only regular All Black in the backline, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue and David Havili could conceivably force their way into the XV over the next couple of years.

Their 1/9 price at Black Type is therefore justified, although Ladbrokes are offering odds as short as 1/20. It is going to be a mammoth task for the Lions and they are 9/1 with Ladbrokes and Coral to claim their first ever title.

The South Africans will certainly need to start better too, having fallen behind to both the Jags and ‘Tahs in the knockout games. With that in mind, the outstanding Crusaders finisher George Bridge is favourite to touch down first in the contest at 7/1 with Betfair, while Seta Tamanivalu is 10/1 (Sky Bet). Should the visitors open proceedings better than previously then wings Courtnall Skosan and Ruan Combrinck are 22s at Spreadex.

Despite their issues in the early stages of matches, the Lions grew into the contests and they were excellent in the second half against the Waratahs. For them to be losing at the break and then win the title, it is a tempting 33/1 at BetVictor, but you get the feeling that the visitors will have to be leading at the interval if they are to defeat the Crusaders.

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The Crusaders secured their ninth Super Rugby title following a dominant 37-18 triumph over the Lions at a sold out AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Despite a positive start from the South Africans, which yielded a three-pointer for Elton Jantjies, the hosts soon asserted their authority and scored 20 unanswered points. Seta Tamanivalu and David Havili both touched down while Richie Mo’unga added two conversions and penalties for a 17-point buffer.

Jantjies responded from the tee just shy of the interval but Mo’unga’s third penalty kept his side in control at the start of the second half.

Cyle Brink and Mitchell Drummond then traded tries but the Lions refused to cede and Malcolm Marx crossed the whitewash. However, the Crusaders were ultimately too good and Scott Barrett made the game safe by going over from close range.

It sealed their second championship under the guidance of Scott Robertson, whose team overwhelmed a side that only showed glimpses of their capabilities.

Robertson may have been concerned early on, though, as Swys de Bruin’s men controlled possession, looked to test the fringes of the hosts’ defence and eventually broke the usually stout rearguard when Ruan Combrinck surged clear.

It was a brilliant piece of individual skill from the wing, who weaved his way to within five metres of the line, but they failed to take advantage of Combrinck’s excellence.

Robertson’s charges remained resilient in the face of consistent pressure, until they conceded a penalty at the breakdown, and Jantjies deservedly kicked the visitors into a 3-0 lead.

The Crusaders barely had the ball in the initial stages of the contest but, when they did get some territory, the New Zealanders began to make incursions. The Lions duly infringed and Mo’unga was on target from in front of the posts as the defending champions levelled matters.

Momentum was now with the Christchurch-based outfit and the away side were unable to cope with their pace and power when Tamanivalu barrelled his way past Combrinck to touch down.

Although the South Africans attempted to hit back via their usually trusty maul, a tactic which has served them well throughout the campaign, that threat was convincingly negated by their opponents.

Starved of front foot ball, the Lions began to make mistakes and two such errors from Jantjies led to the Crusaders increasing their buffer. Firstly, Mo’unga kicked a penalty after the fly-half had conceded a five-metre scrum before the pivot’s up and under was collected by his opposite number, who broke clear. The recently capped All Black was eventually taken down but the ball was shifted to Havili and the full-back crossed the whitewash.

Jantjies then scored a three-pointer to provide the Johannesburg outfit with a glimmer of hope before Mo’unga’s effort off the tee early in the second period re-established their 17-point lead.

De Bruin’s men were being outplayed and were struggling in the set-piece against the Crusaders’ international front five, but Brink, who had otherwise been quiet, produced a moment of inspiration to reduce the arrears.

For the first time in the contest the New Zealanders would have been disappointed by their defence, but the flanker showed immense power to charge across the gain line and scamper over.

That try gave the South Africans a lift and the hosts made a couple of surprising errors, but their experienced players simply stepped up and Robertson’s team duly scored the decisive try. It was brilliantly worked, with the forwards showing deft hands in contact, and Drummond was the beneficiary of his team-mates’ ability to alter the point of contact.

In a topsy-turvy second half, Ryan Crotty was sin-binned and Marx touched down for the Lions before Barrett crossed the whitewash to rubberstamp yet another title for the most successful franchise in the competition.

The scorers:

For Crusaders:
Tries: Tamanivalu, Havili, Drummond, Barrett
Cons: Mo’unga 4
Pens: Mo’unga 3
Yellow Card: Crotty

For Lions:
Tries: Brink, Marx
Con: Jantjies
Pens: Jantjies 2

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Ross Cronje, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques van Rooyen
Replacements: 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Marnus Schoeman, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 23 Howard Mnisi

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Nic Berry (Australia)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

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