Blogger News Network

May 27, 2006 

The Canturbury Crusaders have won the inaugral Super 14 title, downing the Wellington Hurricanes 19 points to 12 at Jade Stadium, Cristchurch. The game was dominated by surreal conditions, a thick fog making viewing the game from the top of the stands impossible. Only one try was scored in the mistake-riddled game, to Crusaders centre Casey Laulala.

Both sides were consulted prior to the match on whether the final should be postponed, as a thick fog engulfed the sold-out Jade Stadium. Patrons in the South Stand, turned their attention to the stadium screen behind them, as they could not make out anything through the mist. The television audience were in a similar position, with most of the pictures being shrouded in a white cloud, Sky Sports commentators split the commentry between themselves and a sideline commentator, as they could not see the otheside of the pitch from the commentry box.

Referee Jonathon Kaplan and the players of both the Crusaders and Hurricanes were asked if they wished they came to continue at half time, there was apparently a clear view that everyone wanted to carry on with the final. The final score was 19 points to 12, a converted try being the difference. For the Crusaders, it was their sixth championship in 11 years. Despite the eerie conditions, there were jubilant celebrations after following full-time.

Sources

• "Crusaders win eerie, foggy Final". Planet Rugby, May 27, 2006

• "From the mist, Crusaders emerge victors". Rugby Heaven, May 27, 2006

• "Crusaders defend game go-ahead". TVNZ, May 28, 2006

• "Crusaders Beat Hurricanes to Claim Sixth Super 14 Rugby Title". Bloomberg, May 28, 2006