The Crusaders have collected their seventh Super rugby title and given Robbie Deans a fitting farewell with a tense 20-12 over the Waratahs in Christchurch on Saturday night.

The Crusaders dominated possession and territory but the Waratahs were aggressive and dogged in defence in front of a full-house of 26 000 at AMI Stadium.

The Waratah's out scored the Crusaders two tries to one but the Waratahs' ill discipline and Dan Carter's all but flawless boot assured Deans would collect his fifth Super title.

All Black Captain Richie McCaw signalled his intent in the opening moments of the game when he ducked down the blind-side and bustled for a surging 25 metre run.

Carter soon after a slotted over a penalty and the warning signs were already beginning to look ominous for the Waratahs.

But the Sydney-siders quickly regained their composure and struck back almost immediately.

In a patient build up the Waratahs rumbled up field and eventually unleashed the creativity of Kurtly Beale.

In a play that is a successful stereotype in the NRL, Beale executed a pinpoint cross-field bomb to a flying Lachie Turner who leapt high over Kade Poki and scored a brilliantly taken try.

The underdogs were out to a 5-3 lead after 12 minutes but the Crusaders dominated territory for much of the first stanza and with their wealth of position should have made them pay.

This sentiment was never better epitomised than in the 17th minute when after a long period of exerted pressure Casey Laulala ignored a massive overlap and cut inside and bombed a certain try.

Then completely against the run of play the ever impressive Phil Waugh intercepted a wild pass to put the Crusaders firmly on the back foot.

As the Crusaders scrambled in defence they were found wanting on the right side flank when Tuner showed intelligent judgement to chip over the line and used his electric speed to score his second try of the evening.

The Crusaders had dominated territory 80-20 up until this point but unbelievably they were trailing 12-3 after 21 minutes.

Eventually their domination paid dividends when firstly Carter slotted over another penalty and then the Crusaders scored a stirring try that stretched the Waratahs defence across the entire width of AMI Stadium.

The much-improved pocket rocket frame of Poki burned down the blind side in a stunning 40 metre run and set up play just five-metres out.

Then two phases later Carter summed up the situation brilliantly and set the ball free to the other side of the field.

The ball went laterally through several hands and Mose Tuiali'i crashed over in the corner to capitalise on a massive over-lap that an under-10 side would be able to exploit.

In a frantic end to the second half the Crusaders played at a furious pace but were unable to regain the lead and it was 12-11 to the visitors at half-time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion and Carter was able to slot over another three-pointer for the Crusaders to regain the lead.

But just when the Crusaders superior fitness and big game temperament looked likely to swing the pendulum firmly in their favour disaster struck.

Wyatt Crocket had ended a breathless sequences of play by diving on a loose ball to score what would been the decisive blow.

But moments before, 50 metres up the field, convert Brad Thorn, allegedly punched a Waratahs player in frustration.

Consequently the try was disallowed and the big lock was sent promptly for a ten-minute ponder on the side-line.

But the Waratahs were unable to take advantage and were left defending doggedly to stay in the game.

Painful nostalgia was to follow for all New Zealand rugby fans when Carter slotted over a drop-goal with just 8 minutes remain.

It was executed with such consummate ease by the most sought after man in world rugby that dreaded thoughts of Cardiff remerged.

None the less, the Crusaders had gained a five-point buffer and moment later it was 20-12 when that man Carter again slotted over a difficult penalty from 40 metres out the title was secure.

A defeatist expression spread over the Waratahs demeanour and in a fitting tribute, stalwart Reuban Thorne was sent on to the field for the final few moments.

Deans has forever had a knack of seizing the moment and by sending on Thorne for his 129th appearance he appropriately gave his former captain one more moment in the Christchurch limelight.

The fireworks were soon exploding in the night and Dean's last Crusade ended in triumph.

Crusaders 20 - Try: Mose Tuiali'i; Penalties: Dan Carter (4); Drop goal: Carter

Waratahs 12 -Tries: Lachlan Turner (2); Conversion; Kurtley Beale