Oli Jager helps Crusaders beat Blues in Super Rugby Pacific final

Irish prop Oli Jager helped the Crusaders claim a dominant 21-7 victory over the Blues in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific final at a rain-soaked Eden Park.

The Kildare tighthead is in the final year of his contract with the Crusaders and he played a key role as they won a sixth straight Super Rugby title with a ruthless display of power.

Named in the starting line-up, Jager played 53 minutes and departed with the Crusaders holding a healthy 16-0 lead.

Scrum-half Bryn Hall's try on the stroke of half-time propelled the Christchurch side into a 13-0 advantage, with Sevu Reece crossing late in the second half after Finlay Christie's try had given the Blues hope.

First try of the final! @crusadersrugby strike ⚡️#SRPFINALS pic.twitter.com/p6IOCB1r0E

Out-half Richie Mo’unga ran the game with a brilliant display and contributed 11 points from the boot.

The Blues, roared on by a big home crowd, came into the match with 15 straight wins but were simply unable to get on the front foot and unleash their talented backs until it was too late.

"We've always talked about effort on both sides of the ball," said All Blacks lock and Crusaders veteran Sam Whitelock, who played a key role in dismantling the Blues' lineout.

"It's not always about scoring points, sometimes it's about stopping them from scoring."

FINLAY CHRISTIE!!