1 of 9
Mark Hammett charges over the line to give the Canterbury Crusaders a 5-0 lead in the 18th minute

2 of 9
The Auckland Blues respond through the inspirational Carlos Spencer who slots over two penalties to give his side a 6-5 lead

3 of 9
Mils Muliaina looks to respond for the Blues as the scrappy first half ends with the Crusaders taking a 10-6 half-time lead

4 of 9
The Blues take an 11-10 lead after David Gibson launches an attack that leads to a try in the corner for Doug Howlett

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The Blues celebrate taking a crucial 21-10 lead after Carlos Spencer drives over team-mate Daniel Braid in the 66th minute

6 of 9
With less than five minutes left and the Crusaders trailing 21-17 the Blues' defence prevents Justin Marshall from scoring

7 of 9
The final whistle blows prompting jubilant scenes amongst Blues players Sam Tuitipou and Mils Miliaina

8 of 9
Crusaders number nine Justin Marshall can't hide his disappointment after his side's 21-17 loss

9 of 9
Xavier Rush lifts the trophy as the Blues win their first Super 12 final in six years after a tense win over the Crusaders