Too gritty, too patient and far too ruthless.
The Crusaders called on their best qualities to beat the Lions 37-18 in the Super Rugby final and clinch a ninth title.
The South African visitors dominated vast chunks of a brutal decider at Christchurch’s AMI Stadium on Saturday but couldn’t match the composure and killer instinct of the hosts.
On the back of another exceptional performance from five-eighth Richie Mo’unga, the Crusaders scored four tries to two.
Attacking opportunities were few – they were forced to make 180 tackles – but the Crusaders finished in clinical fashion.
Mo’unga, who landed all seven shots at goal, made another claim for an All Blacks Test jersey as his general play hit the sublime level of last week’s semi-final win over the Hurricanes.
However, he didn’t have the freedom of a week ago as the Lions pack took it to their vaunted All Blacks-laden opposites in search of a maiden title.
They had to settle for a runners-up finish for a heartbreaking third-straight season.
Last year they were beaten 25-17 in a Johannesburg final by a Crusaders team who have made an art-form of winning play-off matches.
The red and black juggernaut are now unbeaten in 21 post-season games in Christchurch.
They extended a winning streak this season to 15 matches, once again based around defence and a ruthless instinct when opponents slip up.
Playing with just 35 per cent of the ball, the Crusaders somehow forged a 20-6 halftime lead.
The Lions dominated the early stages but only had a 3-0 advantage to show for it.
When given ball, Mo’unga showed what a lethal threat he is, creating both first-half tries.
He sent France-bound winger Seta Tamanivalu over via a cut-out pass and sliced through to set up fullback David Havili’s try.
Mo’unga converted both and slotted twin penalties while opposite Elton Jantjes notched his second penalty goal on the stroke of halftime.
The Lions’ territorial dominance continued after the break, setting up powerhouse flanker Cyle Brink’s try.
The Crusaders struck back through Mitchell Drummond.
Despite a 17-point advantage, hearts fluttered among the hosts when inside centre Ryan Crotty was shown a yellow card for cynical play with 15 minutes to play.
Lions Hooker Malcolm Marx barged across for his 12th try of the season but Crusaders lock Scott Barrett effectively sealed the result with a 70th minute try.
USA Kiwi
Guest
I seem to remember when the British and Irish lions toured NZ, they got beaten by the Blues and drew against the Hurricanes.... Hmmmm!
South African teams in general struggle with building depth, they lose too many players on an annual basis. I am so bloody sick and tired of the friggin poaching it is beginning to impact on my passion for sport.
Akari
Guest
Stop it, Kirky! Samu is coming home to help Poey lead the Brumbies forward pack for sure.
Akari
Guest
And then Blues snatches a prop that Cooper and the Chiefs discovered and developed into an AB practically overnight, ie one that the Blues and Auckland rugby didn't even rate to be good enough for them.
Akari
Guest
I watched the Crusaders B team demolish the French Barbarians back in June and it's clear that Razor is already getting ready for the next lot to slot in if and when required, KK. The newbies were also celebrating with their winning squad and most likely dreaming of the day in the very near future when they too will also be celebrating another championship. Impressive stuff. If the Brumbies are smart, they should be looking at signing Tima Faingaanuku as he can play 11, 15 and 13 (against the French Barbas in June) and pretty handy with conversions as well.
Akari
Guest
"The Lions have a lot to be proud of, Warren Whiteley and Swys de Bruin’s humility and grace in their post match speech/interview is the essence of rugby." Totally agree, CT
DanFan
Guest
If this is true it says a lot about the two environments he has recent experience of. Also, the fact that he is only likely to be a bench player at best for Wallabies could be the decking factor for him. I would never want to leave the Crusaders although a couple ( Slade and Luke Whitelock come to mind) have prospered in doing so.
Old Bugger
Guest
Congratulations to the Crusaders and their supporters......well done to Razor and Sam and the rest of the leadership group for binding these young charges together to play, such a dominant season. Unless something happens from the other SR teams, than this current Saders team look to be on target for more of the past two seasons. Again, well done.....
Sylvester
Guest
You're right Ben. The Crusaders school comp has certainly been stronger in the past than it is now. CBHS once had Owen Franks, Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, Colin Slade and Tim Bateman in the same team - that's strength... Grammar has produced the most ABs (CBHS far more in the pro era interestingly). The College v School match has been a one-sided affair for a long time. College has been more competitive since they put more focus on their rugby and employed Reuben Thorne as coach.
Ben
Guest
Yes but Chch 1st xvs havent competed for the national 1st xv title in years. Akld Grammer holds the record for most ABs. Chch 1st xv rugby hasnt featured nationally in years with winners being all from the nth island for ages now. Just because Chch Boys and Christs have an old rivalry doesnt make them strong. Lots of schools have ancient rivalries. Tell me when the last Chch or even Sth Island 1st xv won the national title or even competed for it?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Jacko, sorry mate but don’t agree. If I can get to the stadium, I’d much rather watch it there, with all the atmospher. Can’t beat it. Fortunately, I’ll be at all three Bledisloe Cup matches this year, Sydney, Auckland and Yokohama in Oct. I’ll be there rain, hail or snow! In 2011 only got to both semi’s and final!
woodart
Guest
yes, nightime rugby is the pits, but the almighty tv wants otherwise.
dopplerman
Guest
the planned new covered stadium would help in a Canterbury climate
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes thats what Keith Quinn said. Parents dont take kids as much as its too cold. Yet again we bend over to satisfy the overseas masses. Oh to see a home test in daylight. Cant recall one in the pro era. Thats wrong. We train these kids all their lives for them to end up playing in the dark. Pfff.
Jacko
Guest
Tman I have toured NZ watching the 2011 RC in a campervan...These winter night games are very difficult to watch...then get a bit of Drizzle and its F...in freezing....i think NZ needs more arvo rugby if they want people watching at the grounds.....i mean sit at home in a 25deg heated room or get to the game at 3 deg and drizzle or worse...Choice is easy really
KFar
Guest
I think you'll find Canterbury has quite a strong high school competition. CBHS has probably provided the most players to the AB's than any other high school in NZ. The yearly CBHS V Christs game is one of the oldest rugby rivalries in NZ. Plus all the other high schools that pump out talented players.
Vesi Tago
Guest
Leinster are packed with Irish players and if memory serve me right the Irish beat the AB for the first time in two yrs ago after 1000000000000000000000000000 attempt you will be lucky if you can witness another one?????????
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
.. but I am pretty sure leister would smash the Saders at ...” On what basis can “you be pretty sure?” ... Your argument is totally flawed in the way you try to justify your statement. It indicates to me that you would be unaware that in the history of rugby, home and away, Ireland has only ever beaten the All Blacks once in on over 100 years. Scotland’s best effort is a draw, Wales last win was back in 1953 and have suffered 25 continuous losses since, England manages to beat the AB’s on average about once in 10 years. What part of that history supports your claim that Leister ‘pretty sure is a superior side to a AB laden Crusaders side?
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I thought man of the match was Elton Jantjies. He was definitely the Crusaders best player. Without him the Lions may have won the match.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Hi Riddler its on planet rugbys site. Pistol pete snd Nick B should watch it too.