A new champion to be crowned in Super Rugby

Beauden Barrett (R) of the Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a try against the Chiefs. Photo / Getty

A new champion will raise the Super Rugby trophy next weekend, with the Hurricanes and the Lions booking their spots in the finale after convincing wins overnight.

Both sides took down former champions to earn their spot in the final, with the Hurricanes downing the Chiefs 25-9, before the Lions swept past the Highlanders 42-30 to make their first final.

For both franchises, it is a chance to avenge years of suffering.

The Hurricanes are the only New Zealand team not to win a Super Rugby title, having twice finished runners-up over their 21 year history. They came the closest to breaking that drought last year, having dominated the competition early on before falling at the final hurdle to the Highlanders.

While Kiwi fans were deprived of seeing a re-match of the 2015 final, the Lions are deserving finalists after setting the pace throughout the competition.

Two-time semifinalists under the Cats moniker in 2000 and 2001, the franchise had not made the playoffs since that date 15 years ago.

However, to break their drought in style, they will have to win on the road, with the Hurricanes hosting the final at 7.35pm next Saturday night.