2 teams, 46 players, 1 winner

The 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa champion will be crowned tonight. Paul Cully looks at the match-day squads and analyses who will have the edge.

CRUSADERS

15. Will Jordan: Can beat defenders for fun but in the past couple of weeks he has improved in the parts of the game he doesn’t find so easy. Defence is the key, and if he nails it he can be world-class. 8

14. Sevu Reece: A far better year from the explosive finisher who continues to deceive defenders with his pace off the mark. 7.5

13. Leicester Fainga’anuku: The Crusaders’ standout back this year in terms of adjusting to a newish role and getting them over the gainline. 7.5

12. David Havili: Would prefer to be playing at No 15 but he has muscled up and is taking so much heat off Richie Mo’unga. 7.5

11. George Bridge: Not at his peak after a long injury layoff. Class is permanent though, and he’ll really click at some point. 7

10. Richie Mo’unga: Loves the big stage and normally produces a game-turning piece of magic when it matters most. 8.5

9. Mitchell Drummond (pictured):

Enjoyed some strong form in first half of the season but there is an argument that neither of the Crusaders’ No 9s has been at their absolute best. 6.5

8. Cullen Grace:

Second-season syndrome has hit hard for the young flanker who still looks better in the No 6 jersey. 7

7. Sione Havili Talitui: A standout for Tasman, the tough No 7 has found the step up to Super Rugby a sizeable one. 6

6. Ethan Blackadder: Brings incredible energy every time he plays after a tough run of injuries. Must be close to an All Blacks callup. 8

5. Sam Whitelock: He has been the standout lock in New Zealand rugby once more. When the Crusaders’ backs are against the wall, they look to the big man. 9

4. Scott Barrett: The perfect time to find some form, because he has been quiet by his own standards. Working hard but hasn’t dominated. 7.5

3. Michael Alaalatoa: The Crusaders scrum bullied the Chiefs in Christchurch earlier this year, but they’ll be expecting a tougher clash.

7.5

2. Codie Taylor: The best player in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year. There can’t be a fitter front-rower in the country. 9

1. George Bower: Put on a lot of weight quickly at the end of the last year and hasn’t been as dynamic around the paddock. But that won’t be where he is judged on Saturday. 6.5

Reserves:

Brodie McAlister 6.5, Tamaiti Williams 6, Oliver Jager 6.5, Mitchell Dunshea 7, Tom Sanders 7, Bryn Hall 6.5, Dallas McLeod 7,

Braydon Ennor 7.5.