Campbell v McRoberts: Super 14 reasons to back your team

John Campbell (left) and Mike McRoberts

They work for the same TV station but will be poles apart tonight. We ask John Campbell and Mike McRoberts what drives them to support their teams - and why they will win:

MIKE McROBERTS

1. Once a Cantab always a Cantab. We are to NZ rugby what Arsenal fans are to English football ... hated.

2. I grew up in Christchurch and still have family living there, so it's partly for their protection.

3. The Crusaders are undoubtedly the best provincial team in the world.

4. I love history ... like the fact the Crusaders have been finalists in eight of the past 11 years.

5. The Crusaders' generosity in providing the Hurricanes with a couple of coaches.

6. Chris Jack, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Aaron Mauger, Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald - they are world class.

7. Those Crusaders' horses ... I mean what mascot do the Hurricanes have, some guy blowing?

Why they'll win: "The Crusaders will win because ... that's what they do."

JOHN CAMPBELL

1. DNA. I'm a Wellingtonian, therefore it's in the blood.

2. The inability to realise that over the years supporting Wellington teams in any form has been almost masochistic.

3. You just know that the year you finally give up and say "I'm off to support the Blues" they're going to do it. So I'm stuck with them for life, really.

4. They're easily the most handsome side in the Super 14. Who doesn't thrill at the sight of Jerry or Ma'a or Tana?You don't see people like that wandering round the TV3 office.

5. They're also a very, very funny side. They are funny, they are self-parodying, they are utterly effusive and expressive.

6. They've been tackling like their lives depended on it.

7. Collins, So'ialo and Umaga.

Why they'll win: "Because I work with so many Crusaders fans and I've got a bottle of wine on the game with every single one of them."