The two best teams of 2008 will meet in a final of contrasting styles, with both sides all but unbeatable this season. In fact, it would be fair two say that the two New Zealand domestic giants are arguably the form teams of Southern Hemisphere in the last four years.

Canterbury has won three Super 14 titles in four years and have been the dominant feeder union into the national setup, most notably with their contribution of the All Black linchpins Richie McCaw and Dan Carter – although this status has not been translated to the domestic competition, with their last national title coming in 2004.

In fact, they have only won the national title (in the form of either the NPC or the new hybrid Air New Zealand cup) five times, one more than their foes from the capital.

Wellington are the “nearly men” of New Zealand rugby.

They have reached the semi-finals three times in the Super 14 since 2005 – but in two semi-finals and one final appearance, they have lost every single time to the Crusaders.

In domestic competition it makes for even more “almost” reading.

This is the seventh time Wellington has reached the final of the New Zealand domestic competition since 1999 – including this year being their third consecutive grand final.

But only once have they tasted success, beating Canterbury 34-29 in 2000.

This year the two giants have had contrasting fortunes.

Canterbury started this season terribly, gifting eventual bottom placed Manawatu with their only win of the season. However, since then they have recorded eleven consecutive wins to reach the final.

In this time, they have looked more and more like a classic Canterbury side – fine tuning themselves each game to reach the decider in formidable form.

Wellington had been all but untouchable, recording nine wins to open their season, collecting four try bonus points at will and unleashing an all attacking style that was irresistible to their opposition.

But in their last game of the season, coach Jamie Joseph rested front line players which Otago duly capitalised on, upsetting the Lions 36-21 to prevent a regular season clean sweep.

So far, the two teams have not met this season.

But in their last meeting, Wellington actually knocked Canterbury out of the Air New Zealand Cup finals.

Why Canterbury will win?

In their most recent games, they have soaked up pressure and counterattacked mercilessly. They have not been excessively flashy, playing tight controlled rugby backed up by the best defensive system of the competition.

If they can apply appropriate pressure to Wellington and stifle their attack, it will go a long way to ensuring victory.

Key players for Canterbury?

The continuing emergence of loose forward Kieran Read as captain has been the glue for this Canterbury side, backed by a strong front row, all of whom have at some point worn national colours.

The brilliance of Richie McCaw has been reintroduced to the team, which fortifies the youth in the team – exemplified by Colin Slade, yet another class first five unearthed by the Canterbury system.

With veterans Andy Ellis, Casey Laulala and Scott Hamilton, all past or present All Blacks in the backline, they will not be overawed by Wellingtons attacking arrogance.

Why Wellington will win?

If the Lions slice open the Canterbury defence and post an early lead, they will be hard to stop. Their tries have been magnificent this season, with their forwards and back interplaying in a style very reminiscent of the national team.

However, even if Canterbury can impose themselves on Wellington, the team from the capitals’ ability to score quickly will mean that they will chase down any deficit.

Key players for Wellington?

The entire team. Their pack has been a revelation this season, showing brilliant ball skills with Jeremy Thrush and Ross Filipo ruling the air this season.

Both locks are set for national honours.

Captain Piri Weepu continues his renaissance, playing brilliantly at number ten and combining well with Alby Matherson, another candidate for national colours.

But Wellington are most dangerous in their three quarter line. They will likely unveil the All Black first choice midfield of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith for the final, which will combine with Hosea Gear and Cory Jane – both front line candidates for player of the season.

Gear has been the form back of the competition and will tour Europe in a few weeks.

Prediction?

Canterbury will pose the stiffest opposition to the Lions credentials, but they have been too good this year and should win at home by twelve points.

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