The Crusaders have been crowned Super Rugby champions for 2017 after defeating the Lions at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg by 25 points to 17 in a hard fought and composed performance in front of over 60,000 fans.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Lions 17
Crusaders 25
The Crusaders travel to Johannesburg to contest the 2017 Super Rugby final agains the Lions at Emirates Airlines Park, with kick-off scheduled for 12am AEST.
It’s boiled down to 1 vs 2 in terms of competition points to decide this year’s champion with both sides recording impressive semi-final victories to earn their place in today’s finale.
Last weekend the Crusaders hosted the Chiefs in Christchurch and produced a defensive master class to keep the Chiefs at bay while ruthlessly keeping the scoreboard ticking over whenever the opportunity would present itself.
The Lions survived a whirlwind start from the Hurricanes to produce a dazzling second half comeback and overrun the Hurricanes at home, recording a comfortable victory to not only book a spot in the final, but earn hosting rights to boot.
The match up certainly appeals as a definitive clash of styles, the high octane attack of the Lions versus the defensively sound Crusaders – but that would be ignoring both sides’ capabilities across the park, excellent set piece, exciting and creative ball runners, powerful loose forward trios and gnarled packs. Certainly neither side will see themselves with any more advantage than the other.
While many would expect an action packed fast paced game, there will no doubt be plenty of nerves to overcome for both sides in front of a packed crowd in Johannesburg and the side which can overcome the pressure and play to their expectations cohesively, particularly on defense, will likely win today’s encounter and this year’s title.
Matt Todd certainly shapes as a pivotal figure for the Crusaders this evening, his ability to disrupt the opposition ball will likely play a huge role tonight in halting the Lions momentum while Malcolm Marx for the Lions shapes as a match changer also, his dynamic play and work rate could prove a difference for the Lions tonight.
The composure of the men at the back, in particular Israel Dagg and Ruan Combrinck will be needed this evening.
Tip
It’s tough, and probably has more to do with my own bias but I suspect the big game experience of the Crusaders will show through today – but, the Lions are an outstanding side and have shown once they have the momentum they are near impossible to stop.
Crusaders by 1.
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Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
envious?... be buggered, I;m jealous!! lol
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Haha Kia Kaha ... I bow to superior tipsters! ...lol enjoy the fruits of success mate, to win, to climb the highest peak and be where man has not been before is admirable and as pointed out in other articles... I am envious! *S*
Coconut
Guest
Wasn't my point PB... Wasn't talking whether a team had earned the advantage or not...
PB
Guest
But the Lions had "earned" home ground, travel and altitude advantage, as per the competition was set up.
PB
Guest
It's not that Peyper was biased. He should not have been put in a position (again) where he looks biased. We only have to go back to last week to have the point made.
taylorman
Guest
We've become good at that Kia, comes from being a long time suffering Blues fan, but our time will come, the Phoenix will rise again, the path of the righteous....ooh, getting a bit carried away there... ?
BBA
Guest
I would definitely see Lions favourites if they played the Ctrusaders next week. However I cant see how they would be favourites if they had to play the Crusaders in heavy and extremely cold conditions. The Crusaders record in home play off games is something phenomenal well into double digits in wins and no losses. I think they have only lost at home once to a South African team in the history of the comp (the Sharks when they were down a man for most of the game too). So I cant see how rationally the Lions would be favoured against them in Christchurch. Unless you just meant you would be supporting them and have faith to beat them rather than from any analytical considerations.
Vesi Tagoiagea
Guest
Excuse excuse
So gracious
Coconut
Guest
It evens out I think Hannes... the altitude and home ground advantage cannot be overstated...
Coconut
Guest
He gets one from me..
Coconut
Guest
Each to their own Rhino... I thought the Crusaders dominated for quite long passages of that game, with 15 against 15... they did run out of steam in the last 20 though, that much was obvious. So I would back the Crusaders to win in any other place except Ellis park if they were to play again next week. One thing I really liked about the Lions was their pace and urgency with ball in hand, and ability for forwards and backs to link up at speed. They have improved greatly from last year, and are playing a very attractive brand of football, almost a NZ style (highest compliment I can give!). So well done to them, they can hold their heads high after that effort.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Blame Smith for that. The TMO had no choice. Jacoi should have sent him without going to thr TMO.
Sandy
Guest
Yes Digger, you definitely get a thumbs up from me. Really in awe on how you do it so consistently!
Sandy
Guest
He did, yes.
Misha
Guest
Well done Crusaders - take away the travel and altitude and it would have been an easy 30+ points victory..
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Thanks RT. Your kiss of death along with Taylorman's proved the difference. ;)
taylorman
Guest
Us next year huh Rugby??
Country boy
Guest
Stats are ubeleivable, pity the red card killed the game!
taylorman
Guest
Does put Blackadders era into perspective, 8 seasons, easily the longest of any Saders coach, without a title, now bookended both sides by titles. Did Razor do his breakdance, the live feed cut away too soon. Future AB coach for me.