The 2018 Super Rugby season will come to close on Saturday, with the Crusaders hosting the Lions in the final in Christchurch.
In a rematch of last year's finalists, the visitors are odds-on to suffer three straight finals losses, with the defending champions overwhelming favourites.
- Crusaders rubbish Lions claim they cheat at scrum time
- Richie Mo'unga: From Dan Carter fan to Crusaders chief playmaker
- Mo'unga facing All Blacks audition in Super Rugby final
And their chances of causing an upset don't fare any better with Newshub's rugby brains, who unanimously predict a record ninth title for the Crusaders.
Crusaders vs Lions
Ben Meinung-Thompson, Newshub sports reporter
The Crusaders have lost just three matches in the past two years under Scott Robertson and ultimately I can’t see a fourth in the final.
They stifled the Hurricanes’ usual attacking brilliance last weekend.
And the way the red-and-blacks managed to romp the Sharks the previous week, despite spending half as much time in the opposition 22m, is something that can get them out of trouble.
Thankfully, for rugby’s sake, the Lions have at least thrown away their playbook, so to speak.
They admitted (after arriving a day late in Christchurch) they weren’t just going to follow their ‘processes’ heading into this one, The Crusaders ’beast’ deserved something different - so at least expect running, flicking and perhaps hopeful rugby.
In their third straight final, we can expect to see some determination that’ll take them up a notch and anything can happen with Elton Jantjies running the ship.
I wish the Lions luck - they’re going to need it.
Crusaders by 18
Tom Bartlett, Newshub sports producer
The Lions have travelled an awfully long way to come a distant second, but it's hard to see how that won't be their reality this weekend.
They will be physical and will try to play an up-tempo game, but like every other team this year, won't be consistent enough to break down the Crusaders.
No-one's been able to keep pace with Scott Robertson's team this year and even if the weather is poor, ‘Razor’ should have his dancing shoes at the ready.
Crusaders by 20
Michael O’Keeffe, Newshub sports reporter
A lot can be said about finals and their ability to inspire a side to turn the tables. It's a shame Crusaders vs Lions won’t be an example of that.
The long journey from South Africa isn't the only challenge the Lions will have to deal with. They'll be faced with a supreme forward back, a form number 10 and the added motivation on making sure Wyatt Crockett leaves on a winning note.
I'll go with what Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said after their semi-final loss - they're 20 points better than any team.
Crusaders by 20
Andrew Gourdie, Newshub sports presenter
It’s easy to think this will be a blowout, given the Crusaders’ dominance this season.
The Lions have had a shocker arriving in Christchurch so late ahead of the match and given it’s generally accepted the perfect game might not be enough to beat the Crusaders at home, this is less than ideal.
The weather is expected to be miserable on Saturday in Christchurch, so this will at least play into the hands of a Lions side desperate to turn this into a pack war.
I’m picking a tight first half, before the home side pull away for a comfortable win in the last 20.
Crusaders by 15
Ross Karl, Newshub rugby editor
There's always going to be that one person going for the big call, who will look great if there's a boil over.
That's not me.
Crusaders by 20
Newshub.
Join us at 7.30pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders vs Lions Super Rugby final.
