By Tournament / Super 14

We thought the Heineken Cup wasn’t as good as the Super 14?

However it turns out the southern hemisphere is fed up with the current Super rugby competition and is ready to ditch the existing model in favour of a European-style structure.

Rumours have been circulating that a new 14-team-Tasman competition with a European Cup style international format built into the provincial window is being discussed.

Representatives from some of New Zealand’s provincial unions have been secretly meeting behind closed doors for a number of weeks while it is understood that the proposal has also been put to Australian Rugby Union chief John O’Neill.

Like the Super 14, the Air NZ Cup has run its cause and the nine New Zealand provinces are strongly pushing for a refreshed competition that would reignite the competitiveness of the club structure in New Zealand.

The NZRU are reluctant to forge ahead with the plans without South Africa’s inclusion.

A trans-Tasman tournament wouldn’t involve the Rainbow Nation and a break up of SANZAR is off the New Zealand Rugby Union’s record.

SANZAR is still very much committed to the transformation and expansion of the Super rugby competition.

What could happen...

The Group of Nine's template: One professional window from March to October: 14-team trans-Tasman trophy home and away (Nine from New Zealand, five from Australia): Heineken Cup style tournament (to run alongside trans-Tasman trophy): Matches every four weeks with 24 teams in four pools of six made up of teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Pacific Islands and America.

It's the latest sign yet that rugby union is treading ever nearer to rugby league blueprint.

The Super 14 has continued its evolution with governing body SANZAR recommending an expanded six-team play-off format for next year's championship.

Not content with the ELVs and 12 becoming 14 two years previous, it is hoped that the southern hemisphere's premier provincial tournament will become more competitive and shell much of the criticism that was pointed towards a unspectacular tournament in 2007.

The proposal sees the competition expanding by one week and will now be put to the national unions and major stakeholders for their approval.

Obstacles may arise with interruptions to the Tri-Nations and hosting of the northern hemisphere summer tours.

Next on the agenda, Argentina's introduction into the Tri-Nations and incorporating teams from Asia, Pacific and American countries.

Crusaders 20-12 Waratahs

They'll be one or two beers swilled in Christchurch tonight after the Crusaders gave Australia-bound coach Robbie Deans the perfect leaving present after edging a nail-biting finale in Christchurch against the Waratahs.

It was a fifth Super rugby trophy for Deans who begins the next chapeter of his rugby coaching career with the Wallabies next week.

The Waratahs battled limb from limb in the first-half, going in 12-11 ahead with young pups Lachie Turner and Kurtley Beale touching down while Crusaders Mose Tuiali'i replied for the hosts.

But in the second half, two Dan Carter penalties sandwiched by a drop-goal from the same sweet left boot sealed the Waratahs fate and with it a seventh title for the Crusaders.

There's a final going on in the southern hemisphere too, but you are excused if the Super 14 showdown between the Crusaders and the Waratahs has slipped off your radar.

Robbie Deans reckons it's going to be an "epic" with the departing Crusaders coach and the opposite number Ewan McKenzie leaving their posts after the match.

There is just the solitary change in both line-ups with Ti'i Paulo replacing Corey Flynn at hooker for the Crusaders and Tatafu Polota-Nau returning for the Waratahs.

The Waratahs have only tasted victory once in Christchurch and that was five years ago, so you'd be a brave person to tip the Aussies to claim a maiden Super 14 title - this is the ninth appearance in the final for the Crusaders.

The two teams are littered with internationals, especially in the forwards. Kurtley Beale's kicking will be under the microscope after landing near 60% of his kicks.

The two teams last met at this stage in 2005 when a 35-25 scoreline flattered the 'Tahs.

Dan Vickerman pounding into Ali Williams, Dan Carter schooling Beale, Richie McCaw going toe-to-toe with Phil Waugh - there are personal battles all over the field, making it the most tantalising final for years.

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richard McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16 Steve Fualau, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Reuben Thorne, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Sean Maitland.

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 Beau Robinson, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Matt Carraro, 22 Timana Tahu.

Prediction: Crusaders to win by five points.

It's showdown time for Robbie Deans and Ewan McKenzie as home advantage paid dividends for the Crusaders and the Waratahs in the Super 14 semi-finals as they set up a mouth-watering clash in Christchurch.

Crusaders 33-22 Hurricanes

Such was the dominance of the rampant Crusaders, the open-minded Hurricanes spent 90% of the first-half on the back foot.

It was like a monsoon with wave upon wave of Crusaders attack fended off through desperation rather than structure.

Despite all the brave backs against the walls stuff, Leon MacDonald scored either side of half-time to all but seal a home final.

The Hurricanes went ahead against the run of play but once the Crusaders rediscovered their sweeping free-flowing brand of rugby that had deserted them in recent weeks, it was curtains for the 'Canes with Richie McCaw and Kieran Read turning over ball for fun.

Waratahs 28-13 Sharks

While there was only 18,000 in Christchurch, a sold out Sydney Football Stadium dismissed the woeful Sharks, bringing Dick Muir's memorable reign to a forgettable finale.

Unlike South Africa's composure in winning the Rugby World Cup, the Sharks coughed up multiples of errors with Francois Steyn creating his own sporting bloomer by allowing Lote Tuquri to pounce after spilling the ball for one of the Aussies four tries.

Seeing as McKenzie was giving his marching orders earlier in the season because they didn't play enough attacking rugby, the 'Tahs haven't done a bad job scoring tries as easily as Gordon Brown loses votes.