Blues battle the Crusaders in the dream final

By SCOTT MacLEOD

The Blues rugby team may go into Saturday's Super 12 final as underdogs despite a sizzling season in which they have lost only one game.

The Blues won a place in the final by overcoming the Brumbies 42-21 at Eden Park on Saturday night, and have dazzled crowds all season with their expansive play.

But a fast-improving Crusaders team, who took the other final spot with an emphatic 39-16 win over the Hurricanes on Friday, are being picked by those in the know as the strongest team in New Zealand.

The best-placed figures were the captains and coaches of the teams beaten in the semifinals.

Brumbies captain George Gregan picked the Crusaders to win a tight final by fewer than eight points.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper and skipper Tana Umaga also favoured the Crusaders.

But former All Black skipper Wilson Whineray said the final was too close to call. The Crusaders were a better team up front, but the Blues had an edge behind the pack.

"I'm sure the Crusaders will try to deny the Blues as much ball as possible," he said. "They have the forwards to do it, but anyone who mortgages the house on this one will be foolish."

The final is being pitched as an All Black trial, since Blues and Crusaders players are expected to form the bulk of the national squad to be named two days later.

Saturday's semifinal saw the Blues race to a 22-0 lead by halftime.

A second-half surge by the Brumbies hinted at an upset, but the Blues fought back strongly and ended up scoring six tries to three.

The main worry for the Blues was a head clash that forced Steve Devine off the field on a stretcher. Fears that he suffered neck injuries proved unfounded, but doctors are yet to decide whether he needs a break for concussion.

The final will be the first for the Blues in five years. They will be hoping to avenge their defeat in the 1998 final, when the Crusaders won 20-13.

Blues spokeswoman Becky Lay said yesterday that Eden Park would almost certainly be packed for the final, with 45,000 spectators. The semifinal drew 43,000.

Air New Zealand has yet to decide whether it will put on extra flights from Christchurch for the game, but may do so if demand is high enough.

The Super 12 final

Who: Blues versus Crusaders

Where: Eden Park, Auckland

When: 7.35pm, Saturday

Crowd: 45,000 full house expected

Tickets: On sale Tuesday, 9am, from www.redtickets.co.nz, 0800 000 575, Postshops, Books & More outlets

Weather: Possible showers