[Source: Super Rugby/Twitter]
Sevu Reece scored a try to help the Crusaders to their second Super Rugby Aotearoa title.
The Scott Robertson side defeated the Chiefs 24-13 in the final at Orangetheory Stadium.
The Crusaders were on the front-foot since the start of the match to finish off the first half with a 15- 10 lead.
Fijian born winger Reece had a lot to celebrate scoring the first try inside the first seven minutes to put the Crusaders in front 7-nil.
The Chiefs answered back with a penalty as Damien McKenzie slot through a three pointer after Sam Whitelock was penalized for being offside.
🥳🥳 Party time for @crusadersrugby
🎥: @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/DZDvYmfZSJ
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) May 8, 2021
Will Jordan added another five points for the Crusaders gathering a kick from David Havili inside the Chiefs 22 for a 12-3 lead.
An error in the restart, the Chiefs put plenty of bodies in the lineout, winning the throw as they mauled backwards.
They shifted it to the right seeing a flick pass from Alex Nankivell to McKenzie who scored at the corner.
This narrowed the scoreline to 10-12 with 20 minutes to play in the first half.
Richie Mo’unga made sure the Crusaders were on the lead at halftime slotting in a successful penalty conversion after the Chiefs were penalized.
The second half started with the Crusaders reduced to 13 men just inside the 18th minute of play with Reece copping a yellow card for foul play against Chase Tiatia.
McKenzie brought the Chiefs within two points as they narrow the scoreline 13-15.
The Crusaders than poured in attack and won a penalty advantage but Mo’unga had other things in mind and kicked his first-ever Super Rugby drop goal to extend their lead 18-13.
Mo’unga poured in more points with two converted penalties leaving the Chiefs needing to score twice as the Crusaders stretched the lead 24-13 and was enough to retain the title.
🎯 Mo’unga slots his first ever Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa droppy.
🎥: @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/Q9HNfHJmOb
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) May 8, 2021