After lifting their seventh Super Rugby title in as many years, the Crusaders' celebrations go up a gear, as they hit the FMG Stadium changingrooms with the freshly polished trophy in hand.
Out come the readymade championship t-shirts and the brews, and that trophy is quickly glistening in beer, sweat and perhaps even a few tears.
The Crusaders needed every inch of their title-winning pedigree to defend their crown at Hamilton, overcoming a staunch Chiefs challenge to ensure coach Scott Robertson and host of key players went out as winners.
France-bound pair Sam Whitelock and Jack Goodhue, and Richie Mo'unga (Japan) each took their turn hoisting the silverware aloft, as their teammates threw up their hands and exploded in cheer.
The squad is scheduled to touch down at Christchurch Airport at 12:45pm Sunday, when hordes of fans will surely wait to join them in the festivities.
