Canterbury Crusaders were crowned Super 14 champions for the seventh time after defeating New South Wales Waratahs 20-12 in a scintillating final in Christchurch.

The New Zealanders recovered a first-half deficit to seal victory with two late kicks from All Black fly-half Dan Carter, the first a sharp drop-goal, the second a penalty, to ignite the partisan crowd into dizzy celebration.

Robbie Deans's team started the stronger, and deservedly went ahead through the boot of Carter after the Crusaders were penalised for pulling down the scrum.

The Australians responded within five minutes, and took advantage of their first real attacking opportunity to claim the opening score. Fly-half Kurtley Beale was the architect, showing wonderful vision to kick into the corner, where winger Lachie Turner stole a march on Carter to touch down.

The Crusaders were dominant, but a combination of stubborn defence and loose handling frustrated their efforts to pull points back. Mid-way through the half, Carter spurned a penalty chance, and soon after his side fell further behind.

Once again Turner was the scorer, but this time the 20-year-old demonstrated scorching speed to chip through and collect his own kick in the corner. Beale converted.

The Crusaders were eight points down, but just after the half-hour mark Carter pulled three points back with a penalty, after Tafafu Polota-Nau spoiled a ruck.

On the verge of half-time, the New Zealanders got the try their dominance deserved. Carter threw a long looping pass to kick-start the move, and the quick hands of skipper Richie McCaw (pictured) fed Mose Tuiali'i, who powered over to bring the sides within a point.

The second half was set up beautifully, and began with the Crusaders in the ascendancy. Five minutes in a strong drive resulted in another penalty, after a high tackle from Dean Mumm on Tim Bateman close to the try line. Carter scored to put his side 14-12 ahead.

The Waratahs responded with their best spell of the match, swarming forward and recycling ball time after time. But they could find no way through.

On 56 minutes, and completely against the run of the play, the Crusaders appeared to have extended their lead when Wyatt Crockett profited from a fortunate bounce to collect a kick through and touch down.

After consultation between the referee and his touch judge, however, the score was ruled out on account of Brad Thorn's ill-discipline further up the field. The lock had thrown a punch, and was sin-binned for his handiwork. A glorious chance to put themselves out of reach had passed the Crusaders by.

With a man advantage, the Waratahs went for broke, and began throwing the ball around at every opportunity.

But the Crusaders resisted, and with ten minutes remaining Carter fired over a drop-goal to increase the New Zealanders' lead. The fly-half added a penalty soon after, and the Australians never looked like overturning an eight point deficit with just five minutes remaining.

The victory was a fitting send-off for Deans, who now leaves the Crusaders after 10 years to take on the coaching of the Australian national side.

Will Tidey / Eurosport