Scrum of the Earth /

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.