We see Red and Black as Crusaders fever soars

Kick-off cannot come soon enough for hundreds of thousands of fans as the Crusaders line up against South Africa’s Lions in the first home Super Rugby final in a decade.

The defending champions are primed for a big night on Saturday after dispatching the Hurricanes at AMI Stadium last weekend.

The crusade culminates in Christchurch on Saturday.

However, the Johannesburg-based Lions remain confident, having contested the past two finals - losing to the Hurricanes in 2016 and just falling short against the Crusaders last year.

For the Crusaders, the chance to take title honours at home will mean a lot. They last hosted a final in the city at the demolished Lancaster Park.

Remarkably, Crusaders captain Kieran Read was part of the team that beat the Waratahs in 2008.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel will be among the thousands at the stadium, cheering on the home team.

“We are all proud to wear the red and black – and celebrate the return of the Super Rugby final to our city,” the Mayor says.

“It promises to be an action-packed night for all Cantabrians as we join the ‘crusade’ to secure another title.”

The Crusaders take on the Lions at AMI Stadium at 7.35pm on Saturday.