Lions celebrate but

Christchurch to mingle with his men after they produced a momentous defensive effort in the second half – they had trailed 17-13 at halftime – to claim their first NPC title since 2000.

It has been a memorable season for Wellington, who can also include the Ranfurly Shield in their post-season photo sessions.

While Canterbury had eight players listed in the All Blacks XV tour party, Asafo Aumua, TJ Perenara and Ruben Love were the only Wellingtonians recognised by the All Blacks selectors.

Last year Wellington failed to make the premiership playoffs, but after a slow start, which included being walloped 43-10 by Canterbury in the second round, they stitched together nine wins to earn the chance to avenge that defeat in the final.

When they travelled south, the Lions