Phil Kearns: Four quick wings set to dazzle The Aussies' view

The Crusaders are likely to beat the Reds at Suncorp Stadium tonight. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

The Crusaders shouldn't be regarded as raging hot favourites for the Super 15 title but that said I certainly believe they are likely to beat the Reds at Suncorp Stadium tonight.

A terrific final is in store and four very quick wings should play a big part in making it a dazzling contest.

There is a tendency to underestimate both the Reds and their magical No 10 Quade Cooper. Both the team and Cooper have come up with the goods when the questions have been asked this season.

But you can't go past that superb Crusaders' performance against the Stormers in Cape Town last week when evaluating this final.

The travel factor will play a part, because the Crusaders' flight path has been a really tough one.

But they were absolutely magnificent at Newlands and in contrast, the Reds ended up with a relatively soft assignment against the Blues, who have not been impressive at the business end of the season. To put it bluntly, the three best teams made the last four - the Reds, Stormers and Crusaders.

There are exciting contests everywhere in tonight's game.

Dan Carter v Cooper is the obvious one and while Cooper isn't quite in the Carter class yet, there are parts to his game where he has the advantage and I am confident he can produce his tricks again in the final.

Carter hasn't run so much this year and maybe injuries are affecting him but that said, he invariably produces in the big games.

Will Genia has played a big part in the rise of Cooper. In times past, Genia got half of his decisions right in terms of when to run, kick or pass. Now it is around 90 per cent, and he really knows how to find Cooper and lay good passes on for him.

The scrum might be a problem for the home side though. They have not been dominant at any time this year, whereas the Crusaders have a fantastic scrum. If the Reds can do enough to hang on, they should be okay. But they will need to put all their energy and smart thinking into dealing with the Crusaders' power.

The Reds have played rugby the fans love to watch and the crowds have flocked to Suncorp - they are averaging about 30,000 which is better than the number for the Brisbane Broncos.

Ewen McKenzie has worked wonders for Queensland. He was fairly successful at the Waratahs and is a much more complete coach after a stint in France.

The Crusaders are favourites, but McKenzie and his Reds have been surprising people all season, and can do so again.