The Crusaders continued their dominance of this season's Super 12 as they brushed aside the challenge of the ACT Brumbies in front of their own fans at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. The Kiwi side clinched a 31-13 triumph and their fourth championship with Marika Vunibaka's opening try and Caleb Ralph's late double, complemented by the superb kicking off Andrew Mehrtens.
The All Black notched up 16 points as they maintained their 100% record in style. After a scoreless first 20 minutes, the Brumbies' early efforts were granted some reward with Andrew Walker's penalty breaking the deadlock.
But that was the last they were to see of the lead and Mehrtens levelled seven minutes later before Vunibaka crossed the try-line on the half-hour mark to extend their lead, finishing off a flowing move in the right corner. The Crusaders were dominating possession by now and Vunibaka almost scored a replica try in first-half injury time, but seconds later Mehrtens again coped brilliantly with the crosswind to add another three points.
Mehrtens and Walker exchanged kicks at the start of the second half to leave the score at 14-6. Walker's runaway try against the run of play in the 76th minute gave the Brumbies hope. But that was extinguished moments later when a Mehrtens drop goal and Caleb Ralph's two converted tries put the Crusaders clear for a final time.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
