For the beaten Crusaders, pride comes after the fall.

The Reds are crowned 2011 Super Rugby champions after clinching a thrilling 18-13 victory over the Crusaders in Brisbane.

Quake-affected team are the first in Super rugby history to start as favourites for final in another country.

The Reds and Crusaders face-off on Saturday night in the inaugural Super 15 final. Who will take home the silverware?

A son of flood-ravaged Queensland and quake-hit Christchurch, Brad Thorn's last game of Super rugby could hardly mean more to him.

The Crusaders are trying to take an almost bloodless approach to what most are picking will be an emotionally draining final tomorrow night.

The battle between Quade Cooper and Daniel Carter will be key to tomorrow's Super 15 final.

Before embarking on their history-making season, the Reds watched video footage of the deadly floods which swamped their state.

Cantabrians will be in Brisbane to cheer on the Crusaders in this weekend's Super 15 final, but they might not necessarily be in the stands.

Colin Slade will be on trial for a spot in the All Blacks' Tri-Nations squad when he plays for Canterbury on Friday.

Unwanted Hurricanes rugby captain Andrew Hore has somewhere to call home until the end of this year.