The 2008 Super 14 final will be the last crusade for three of Canterbury's favourite sons. Coach Robbie Deans, Reuben Thorn and Caleb Ralph will all say goodbye to the Crusaders franchise that has given them (and us) many great memories.

Robbie Deans is leaving New Zealand after missing out on the All Blacks coaching job that went to Henry (again - don't start us on that one...), and as of Monday will begin a new chapter - as Head Coach of the Wallabies. No offense, Deans - but we just can't wish you any luck on this one.

After the disappointment of last years early exit from the World Cup (it still pains us to mention it...), Deans seemed a shoo-in for the All Blacks role. But, for reasons oly known by the NZRFU, Mr Henry was given another chance. The Wallabies, though, were all too happy to swoop in and claim Deans for themselves - we're just hoping it doesn't come back to bite us...

All that aside, though, and Robbie's focus will be on the match against the Warratahs tonight...although we're sure we'll have one eye (maybe two??) on the Aussie boys. You can hardly blaim him...

Crusader veterans Reuben Thorne and Caleb Ralph will also be hanging up their red and black jersey's for the last time, and are both off to Japan to earn some Yen before wrapping up their rugby careers.

Ralph will be hoping he makes it on, tonight, as he's starting off the bench. Surely he'll be given some decent game time? An unsung hero of the Crusaders team, Ralph has amassed a total of 112 Super Rugby games (including a handful for the Chiefs and Blues), not to mention an impressive tally of 58 tries - which has him sitting only 1 try behind record holder Doug Howlett. It would be great to see Ralph score, and equal Howletts record. Or, even better, score twice...

Thorne ends his Crusaders career with an astonishing 128 games behind him - many of which were as captain. Thorne (although often critisized for being 'invisible' on the field) has always had a strong work ethic. He may be rugbys Mr Invisible, but even if you couldn't see him - you knew he was getting the job done.

All three men have given the Canterbury region plenty to be proud of, and to win a 7th Super 14 title would cap off three excellent careers.

The only change to the Crusaders lineup is Ti'i Paulo, who comes in for the injured Cory Flynn after he broke his arm with 12 minutes remaining in the semi against the Hurricanes.

The Warratahs will also be looking to send their coach out on a high, as Ewan McKenzie was given the boot after a slow start to the season (oops). Rumours have already started to fly about where he'll be coaching next year, including some talk that he may be in line for the vacant Crusaders job. Strangly, the Warratahs haven't asked if he would consider staying on for next year - crazy, if you ask us.

So, as the Super 14 comes to a close for another year, we turn our attention (after the final, of course) to the International season, just around the corner.

Bring it on!