Crusaders captain Kieran Read caused a minor controversy ahead of tonight's Super Rugby final when he left a captain's photo opportunity before his Waratahs counterpart Michael Hooper arrived.

History shows there have been 18 hyped-up yet fruitless campaigns for the Waratahs.

Australians are irrepressible. Admirably so. This time 12 months ago rugby was the black sheep of their respective football codes - scarily close to oblivion.

You can't miss him. Jacques Potgieter is the bloke with the lank black hair and a disregard for his own safety.

Give the Super Rugby trophy to the Waratahs now. Bookies in NZ are clinging to the notion that the Crusaders are on a roll, but Wynne Gray doubts that.

The week of a grand final can be difficult to get right in terms of preparation, but for the Crusaders the experience of Richie McCaw and Kieran Read is shining through.

We've got the Super Rugby final we wanted as a tantalising entree to the Bledisloe Cup, writes Wynne Gray.

I have been on holiday in Australia for a couple of weeks where I got the impression there's a fair bit of confidence brewing.

Star import Jacques Potgieter believes the Waratahs are unstoppable in their quest for a long-awaited maiden Super Rugby crown.

I know they haven't taken their chances at this stage in previous competitions, but I'd have to say the Waratahs are the team with the form and momentum and will be tough to beat.

There's a fair chance the Waratahs will win Super Rugby this year and, in doing so, ignite a mini-panic - the Wallabies might be an emerging force.

The Waratahs will continue to live and die by the sword as coach Michael Cheika encourages his charges to try to win an elusive Super Rugby crown in style.

Join us here for today's live blog of the Super Rugby showdown between the Blues and the Waratahs from Eden Park in Auckland.

No one should feel at ease, least of all the Blues today, when Israel Folau is primed for action.