SUPER 14:CANTERBURY CRUSADERS won the Super 14 title on Saturday with a 20-12 victory over the New South Wales Waratahs in Christchurch.

Trailing by a point at half-time, the Crusaders stormed home on the boot of All Blacks outhalf Dan Carter, who kicked four penalties and a drop goal.

The young Waratahs put in a brave performance but faltered on the big stage, allowing the experienced Crusaders to dominate and capture their seventh Super title.

The Waratahs scored two tries (through Lachlan Turner) to Canterbury's one (Mose Tuiali'i), but the Crusaders always looked likely to overhaul the visitors.