Three questions for the Super Rugby decider

Beauden Barrett and Elton Jantjies go head to head in tomorrow's Super Rugby final.

Herald rugby experts Gregor Paul, Nigel Yalden and Kris Shannon answer three big questions which could decide tonight's Super Rugby final.

1. The weather forecast is a bit rubbish. If it is wet and windy, which team is likely to be happier (and why)?

Gregor Paul: Hurricanes. It's an acquired art playing in the capital on a horrid night and one the Lions don't have.

Nigel Yalden: The Hurricanes should be chuffed, given they should have a much better understanding of the nuances of playing in that stadium of night like that.

Kris Shannon: It's currently teeming down in Wellington, with the type of sideways rain for which the city is famous, and it's apparently five degrees outside. Fair to say, given Johannesburg is sunny with a high of 22 today, these conditions will benefit the home side. Hopefully it at least dries up enough for the game to still be a spectacle.

2. Much has been made of the battle between Beauden Barrett and Elton Jantjies. Do you see this as the key matchup (if so, why. If not, where)?

GP: It's going to be critical for sure, and probably is the most important battle. Both seem to be able to spark their respective sides into playing their preferred game.

NY: No - the six starting loose forwards will have way more influence in, around & over the ball as well as defensively; Barrett & Jantjies will benefit directly should their loose trio gain ascendancy.

KS: That's probably a safe bet. Barrett was outstanding in similar conditions in the quarter-final victory over the Sharks, showing the weather was no impediment to him exerting control over the game. Can Jantjies do the same? We know he's a brilliant runner but can he kick as tactically well as his counterpart? Considering his two outings in New Zealand this season were on a sunny afternoon in Hamilton and under the roof in Dunedin, tonight will certainly be an unfamiliar environment.

3. Is tonight the night to end 21 years of pain for Hurricanes fans (why/why not)?

GP: Has to be doesn't it. They have been superb in the last two months, haven't had to travel and have picked the side they wanted - depeding on Dane Coles. They are going to win.

NY: Yes, the Hurricanes will win their first Super Rugby title as they are better equipped to handle the final than they did 12 months ago.

KS: If not tonight, the Hurricanes will be wondering whether it will ever be their year. They've been resting at home all playoffs, while the Lions will be aiming to become the first Super Rugby side to cross the Indian Ocean in the week of the final and still triumph. The conditions, as mentioned, are on the Hurricanes' side, and they were imperious in victories over the Sharks and Chiefs. Surely...