TAB: A punters guide to the Super Rugby final - Crusaders v Lions

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The 2018 Super Rugby season wraps up on Saturday evening when the Crusaders and Lions battle it out to lift the trophy, here's what's running hot at the TAB.

Best bet

Points Start: Crusaders -18.5 ($1.87)

While this is a very high line, especially for a final, the Crusaders have looked close to flawless in recent weeks and have been in similar form against the spread. They have covered their last eight games, including their last five at home, while the Lions have struggled in that department. The South Africans are 1-4 against the spread in their last five road games and may find things difficult at AMI Stadium with the travel taken into account.

Next best

Winning Team & Margin: Crusaders 13 & Over ($1.40)

A bit less value in this one but it looks to be a sure bet. The Crusaders have won their past five matches by 14 or more points and the Lions have struggled away from home this season. The men from Johannesburg won just three of their away games this season and, with form like that, could well get put to the sword in Christchurch. A good leg to include in a Multi.

Best wide

Winning Team & Margin (10pt): Crusaders 21-30 ($3.50)

As outlined above, the scoreline could get ugly on Saturday evening. The Lions are a slow starting team, failing to make the first scoring play in their last nine games, and if that stays true against the Crusaders we might see a margin exceeding 20 points.

Best real wide

1st Try Scorer: George Bridge ($8)

Weather permitting, the Crusaders will throw the ball around a bit and get their outsides involved plenty. As mentioned, the Lions rarely score fist and the Crusaders have scored the first try in all but one of their 10 home games in 2018. Given George Bridge's try-scoring form, he's worth a crack.