Wynne Gray: Emotion-charged result whichever way the game went

Richie McCaw and Todd Blackadder. Photo / Getty Images

Jubilation or desolation. Those twin elements were going to be the natural consequences of the Super 15 final with the Crusaders likely to feel both more than the Reds.

Only redneck Reds gave their side a real shot at winning their first title.

They had done superbly well to make their first final in 16 attempts under the stewardship of Ewen Mckenzie.

They had classy players like Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane, James Horwill and Scott Higginbotham but were without the strength in depth of the Crusaderblacks.

In many ways this was like the 1998 final at Eden Park when the unfancied Crusaders under the captaincy of Todd Blackadder nudged out the highly favoured Blues.

The Blues had nine players who were already All Blacks and another five who would rise to that honour.

Andrew Mehrtens was the sole Crusader in their starting side who had played a test for the All Blacks.

The result was pitched as a no-brainer, three on the trot for the Blues until some inattention and the bounce of the ball allowed James Kerr to score the winning try a minute from time.

It was something similar from Reds halfback Genia yesterday as he ran on and on and on from 60m before the Crusaders realised the danger. By then it was too late for the cover.

The Reds were at their Fortress Suncorp home, they had boisterous support, they were in good form.

The Crusaders were on their gypsy caravan tour and needed to get up again after their rollicking semifinal win against the Stormers.

Sentiment enveloped both sides after the earthquakes and floods which had lacerated Christchurch and Brisbane this year.

The homeless Crusaders were on the end of an exhausting journey, the Reds were trying to find some solution to an inscription-free honours board.

Those emotional issues swirled through Brisbane all week as the sidebar theory to the real issues.

It all came down to which side could implant their style and skills enough on their opponents to claim the title. Who could handle the blast-furnace heat best?

We know now, the Reds. They soaked up the heat, they were the rope-a-dope Muhammed Ali with the sting to follow.

Just as the Crusaders have forged a rugby template of teamwork, skill and playing for each other, the Reds dug in for their comrades.

They were close to breaking. They wobbled a number of times when Sean Maitland grassed a tough pass and then former Maroon legend Brad Thorn surged across the line.

They were troubled in the scrum, Quade Cooper had some scary ideas about adventure but this was their night. The Crusaders were subdued and strangely inaccurate.

Referee Bryce Lawrence did not give them enough credit for their scrum authority.

Corey Flynn missed his lineout marks, Daniel Carter was good and reserved.

Victory will create a Wallaby-wide good vibe about the World Cup, the cheerleaders in the fourth estate will go up a gear and Robbie Deans will be urging caution.

Across here, the warning was bold enough and neatly timed ahead of the All Blacks squad announcement.