Super landmark reached

SUPER Rugby history will be created when Golden Lions and Canterbury Crusaders contest the 2018 final next weekend, the first time the same sides have contested successive title deciders.

The New Zealanders won 25-17 in South Africa last season and will be favoured to lift the trophy again, given their outstanding form, tradition and having home advantage in Christchurch.

Crusaders have won 16 of 18 league and knockout matches this year, and have never lost a play-offs match at home with the 30-12 semi-final win over Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday a 20th straight success.

Lions also had an 18-point semi-finals winning margin, coming from 14 points behind to defeat the NSW Waratahs 44-26 in Johannesburg and reach a third consecutive final.

“We have a chance,” insisted Lions skipper Warren Whiteley as he looked forward to what many will consider a “mission impossible” – beating the Crusaders in their fortress.

“It is a massive opportunity for us,” said the back-row forward.