Being alert from the start and avoiding giving away early points will be top of the agenda as South Africa’s Lions prepare to face the Canterbury Crusaders in Saturday’s Super Rugby Final in Christchurch.
The Lions beat the Waratahs 44-26 yesterday while the Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes 30-12 on Saturday in the semifinals.
Lions coach Swys de Bruin has talked down their chances against the Crusaders who beat them in the final in Johannesburg last season by saying they would need a miracle.
This is the third year in a row that the Lions are through to the Super Rugby final.
In the 2017 Super Rugby Final in Johannesburg when these two sides faced off, the Crusaders coming out on top, winning 25‑17.
A red card for Kwagga Smith meant the Lions were down to 14 men for over half the game but still they finished within eight points.
The Crusaders will meet the Lions in Christchurch at 7.35pm Saturday in the Super Rugby final.