The Reds are Super Rugby champions after they sealed a tense 18-13 victory over the Crusaders in a hard-fought Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
The brave visitors who have not played a game at home all year took a 7-6 lead into the half-time break after dominating poosession and territory in the opening 40 minutes.
The Reds showed great discipline on defence, but a moment of brilliance from Dan Carter gave the Crusaders the lead at the break after he collected his own grubber in the Reds 22 and went over for the try which he converted.
The Reds hung in under great pressure in the scrums and at the breakdown, and two Quade Cooper penalties kept them in touch.
Two moments of brilliance in the second half swung the momentum in favour of the home side. Flying wing Digby Ioane was put in some space by Cooper and he outstripped the cover defence to go over for the try but the killer blow came when Will Genia snapped up a loose ball from a turnover just inside his own half.
The nippy scrumhalf spotted a gap and found himself in some space, he then turned on the pace and backed himself to run in a sensational 55 metre try. The home team then hung on for a tense five-point victory to lift the Super Rugby trophy in front of a packed home crowd.
The scorers:
For the Reds:
Tries: Ioane, Genia
Con: Cooper
Pens: Cooper 2
For the Crusaders:
Try: Carter
Con: Carter
Pens: Carter 2
Teams:
Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Will Chambers.
Crusaders: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Luke Romano, 19 Matt Todd, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Ryan Crotty.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
