Greg Clark previews the final
By Greg Clark of Fox Sports

THE stage is set for what should be a great Super 14 final between the Crusaders and New South Wales in Christchurch on Saturday. They were both very impressive in their semi-final wins, and it's only fitting that the top two teams on the ladder advanced to the decider. The Crusaders showed why they can never be taken lightly in a play-off at home, bouncing back from a loss to the Highlanders to overpower the Hurricanes, while the Waratahs out-muscled and outplayed the Sharks in Sydney.

History is on the Crusaders' side, as they have won six of the 12 finals played since 1996 and have been runners-up in two more. Furthermore, they have never lost a play-off in Christchurch, while coach Robbie Deans has never tasted defeat in a decider at home. He suffered his two losses were in Auckland and Canberra, and he hopes to move into the Australia job with a fifth Super Rugby title on his resume.

The Waratahs lost to the Crusaders in their only appearance in a final - in Christchurch in 2005 - and they don't have a great record at the venue, playing eight games there and winning just one. That victory was achieved in coach Ewen McKenzie's first game in charge, in the opening week of the 2004 season.

But this is the best-prepared Waratahs team in McKenzie's five-year stint. Some key players might have niggling injuries but they'll hopefully be able to get through the 80 minutes to give the coach the perfect send off. The Waratahs' defence has been outstanding in recent weeks, and cracks might appear in the red-and-black armoury if they can put the Crusaders under the pressure the Sharks had to try to repel last weekend.

The Tahs will enjoy being the underdogs. They've exceeded expectations already this year, improving from 13th last year to second on the ladder at the end of the regular season. They lost 34-7 to the Crusaders in week six, but they did have the lead early in the second half. They failed to go the distance on that occasion, but I'll be surprised if they allow the Crusaders to run away with it this time.

The Chiefs and the Highlanders have proved the Crusaders are beatable, while Western Force and Queensland pushed them all the way as well. But you can't afford to have a lapse in concentration, as the Crusaders are one of the best counter-attacking teams in world rugby. If the Waratahs attempt to open up and try to match it with the Crusaders early, they will come unstuck. The Tahs simply need to stick to the game plan that has been working so well for them this year. Defence will win the final, and the Tahs can match the Crusaders in that department.

While my head is telling me to stick with the favourites at home, especially with Dan Carter doing the goal kicking for the Crusaders, I have a good feeling about the Tahs this week. I reckon they're going to give the final a great shake, and I won't be surprised if there's a boilover and the Super Rugby trophy heads back to Australia for the first time since 2004. Ironically, that was also a year when the winning coach didn't have his contract renewed.

Fox Sports 3 will broadcast the Super 14 final LIVE and EXCLUSIVE coverage from 1700 (EST)on Saturday.