Super Rugby Final

Crusaders' bonus as judiciary clears Pablo Matera for Super Rugby final

The Argentinian international’s case went in front of the Sanzaar judicial committee on Tuesday night after his two offences in the win against the Chiefs in Christchurch last Friday night, and he came away with a major victory.

The judiciary ruled he would face no further sanction for his accumulated sin-binnings after it was determined that there was “no pattern of concern”.

Blues won't retreat into their shells against the Crusaders says Barrett

The Crusaders will be searching for a sixth title in six years after three straight Super Rugby titles followed by two domestic ones in 2020 and 2021, however this will be just the second time under Robertson they contest a final away from home.

Their first championship under Robertson was perhaps their most unlikely, upsetting the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg 25-17 for a famous away win. They will have to repeat that feat again as they will likely be priced as slight underdogs in a final for the first time since then.

Superb defence key as Crusaders charge into Super Rugby Pacific final

With no points scored in the second half, Crusaders number eight Cullen Grace grabbed a decisive brace of first-half tries and Richie Mo'unga gave a masterclass at flyhalf on a drizzly night at Orangetheory Stadium.

However, it was gut-busting defending after the interval to stifle a relentless Chiefs attack that ensured Scott Robertson's team extended their perfect record in home playoffs to 27 wins.

Crusaders unchanged for final

Despite No 8 Read limping off with a knee injury with several minutes remaining in the 27-13 win over the Chiefs in the semifinal in Christchurch last weekend, and tighthead prop Franks having to be replaced at halftime by Mike Alaalatoa because of an Achilles tendon complaint, the two All Blacks have been confirmed as starters for the match in Johannesburg on Sunday morning.

Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar noted Read and Franks had been carefully managed since the team arrived in South Africa, guaranteeing the same 23 will take the park for the third week running.

'In your face' approach in store for Crusaders

Buoyed by news they will play in front of a sellout crowd of 62,000 at Ellis Park, the Lions have their sights set on becoming the competition's second South African champions when they host the decider on Sunday morning.

Standing in the way of the overall top qualifiers are the New Zealand conference-winning Crusaders, who share the same 16 win-one loss record this season.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann is adamant his team mustn't depart from the expansive methods that have taken them to successive finals.

Lions loosies dream big

The Lions host the seven-time champion Crusaders in the Super Rugby title match in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZ time), looking to lift the silverware for the first time.

Having pulled off a remarkable comeback semifinal win over the champion Hurricanes at Ellis Park last weekend, No 8 Ackermann said the quick turnaround meant the enormity of the occasion was still sinking in.

No neutral ref for Super rugby final

South African whistleblower Jayco Peyper, who controlled the Lions semi-final win over the Hurricanes, will be in control of the final.

Peyper controversially sinbinned Hurricanes first five Beauden Barrett in the semi-final prompting futher debate over why referees from neutral countries weren't controlling the playoff matches.

New Zealand referee Glen Jackson and another South African Marius van Westhuizen are the assistant referees.

South African Marius Jonker is the television match official.