RUGBY/news: New Zealand's Canterbury Crusaders held off a late charge by Australia's Waratahs to clinch their fifth Super 12 championship 35-25 in Christchurch on Saturday.

The final burst into life in the last 10 minutes as the Waratahs scored three late tries in a frantic attempt to make up a seemingly insurmountable 29-point deficit.

Tries for veteran Wallaby flanker Phil Waugh and two for rugby league convert Mat Rogers offered the visitors some hope that they could peg back a Crusaders lead of 33-6.

The Southern Hemisphere competition will be expanded to 14 teams next season.