Crusaders' home base sea of red and black

Rugby fever is mounting in Christchurch as the city gears up for tonight's big Super 14 clash between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes.

After a slow buildup this week, red and black colours were everywhere yesterday - in shopfronts, workplaces and schools across the city - in anticipation of the final, to be watched by a crowd of 35,700 at Jade Stadium, and by millions on television in New Zealand and overseas.

The home side will be chasing their sixth title in eight Super finals. Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore had exhorted residents and businesspeople to show the Canterbury colours in support of the Crusaders.

The Hurricanes were due to arrive in Christchurch late yesterday afternoon.

Christchurch is expected to come to a standstill when the match kicks off at 7.35 tonight and a giant party is expected afterwards, whatever the result.

Hundreds of Hurricanes fans are expected to be in the city to support their side, filling up all available accommodation, but they will be heavily outnumbered in the sea of red and black at the match.

Police, wary of heavy drinking in the city, will be out in force.

They are warning people to expect long queues at city bars and to expect to be arrested if they breach the inner-city liquor ban.

"Excess alcohol is always a problem. Look after your mates, and remember that you are very vulnerable and easily become a victim if you are drunk," said Senior Sergeant Neru Leifi.

Showers expected this afternoon may leave the Jade Stadium turf a bit slippery, but the weather is expected to be fine for the match.

MetService forecaster Hayward Osborn said there was only a "very slight chance" of showers during the game, with light winds and a temperature of about 12C.

Yesterday afternoon the TAB had the Crusaders to win the final at odds of $1.38, compared with $2.90 for the Hurricanes.

TAB bookmaker Thad Taylor said the Crusaders were being heavily backed by punters who liked the look of the odds.

But betting was expected to swing back towards the Hurricanes today as more, smaller, punters got behind the team from the capital.

THE FINALS

1996: Blues 45 Sharks 21, at Auckland

1997: Blues 23 ACT Brumbies 7, at Auckland

1998: Crusaders 20 Blues 13, at Auckland

1999: Crusaders 24 Highlanders 19, at Dunedin

2000: Crusaders 20 ACT Brumbies 19, at Canberra

2001: ACT Brumbies 36 Sharks 6, at Canberra

2002: Crusaders 31 ACT Brumbies 13, at Christchurch

2003: Blues 21 Crusaders 17, at Auckland

2004: ACT Brumbies 47 Crusaders 38, at Canberra

2005: Crusaders 35 NSW Waratahs 25, at Christchurch

- additional reporting: NZPA