Rugby: Lions coach Sys de Bruin hoping for miracle against 'unreal' Crusaders

Lions' Elton Jantjies gestures during the Super Rugby semifinal match between Lions and Waratahs at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. Photo / AP

Lions coach Swys de Bruin has described the Crusaders as "unreal" and is hoping for a miracle in Saturday night's Super Rugby final.

The Lions head to Christchurch amid a host of gloomy predictions about their prospects against the champions, who have blown the Sharks and Hurricanes away in playoff games.

After watching the Crusaders dismantle the shoddy Hurricanes, de Bruin said: "They are unreal. We will have to try and find a crack in that armour.

"I saw a few miracles happen today (the Lions win over the Waratahs). The bounce of the ball went our way and I am very thankful that we are able to go to the best team in the world.

"I believe in miracles and this team has proven it. So anything can happen. The Crusaders are the favourites – they are a very good team – but it is still 80 minutes between four white lines so it will be interesting."

Lions captain Warren Whitely emphasised his team must start well in Christchurch, after they had to battle back from a 0 - 14 deficit to beat the Waratahs 44 - 26 in the Johannesburg semifinal.

"We were under pressure, we had to go back to the drawing board, tighten up a bit. We went to our rolling maul and our scrums and I think it worked well. That's been our strength all season," he said.