The Crusaders’ 19-game winning streak was brought to a halt on Saturday by the Waratahs as they lost 20-12.
Waratahs fullback Israel Folau also equalled Blues legend Doug Howlett’s all-time Super Rugby try record with the 59th touchdown of his career.
Folau’s try was his team’s third and saw them take a 20-7 lead with seven minutes left on the clock.
The Saders, meanwhile, didn’t look like a team fighting to defend their title.
Coach Scott Robertson said after the defeat: “We were really desperate to play well and represent our people and show how much we care [about the people that lost their lives in the mosque attacks last week].
“And you could see how hard we worked, but I think we dropped enough ball for the whole season.”
Waratahs
Tries: Jed Holloway, Cameron Clark and Israel Folau
Conversion: Bernard Foley
Penalty: Foley.
Crusaders
Tries: George Bridge and Will Jordan
Conversion: Brett Cameron.