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!

Once again, the world of rugby league is awash with rumour and speculation - this time surrounding Ruben Wiki, the NRL's oldest player.

Wiki has been dropped by the Warriors for this weeks clash with the Newcastle Knights, and instead he'll line up for the Warriors feeder club - the Auckland Vulcans - where he'll join fellow first-graders Wairangi Koopu and Ryan Shortland.

His demotion to the lower grades has led to calls for an early retirement from Wiki, ending his contract and in doing so saving the club around $200,000.

But we here in the Attic believe these calls are a bit premature, and we think Wiki still has the goods to play in the first-grade week-in and week-out.

The passion that Wiki inspires in those around him is second to none in the NRL, and the old-stager still hits as hard today as he did when his career first began 15 years ago. He may be 35, but he plays like he's still in his twenties - although, granted, he is a tad slower now.

Wiki has stated that he has no intention of walking out on his contract with the Warriors, and is happy to play wherever the coaches want him to play - yet another testament to the passion the man has for the game.

Wiki is only four games away from joining the illustrious 300 game club, and we would certainly be disappointed if Ivan Cleary doesn't give him his chance later in the season - It'd be a huge honour for Wiki, and who could say he hasn't earnt it?

A few weeks in the lower grades will give Wiki the time he needs to fully recover from the rib cartilage injury that has been bothering him for some time now. It will also give the young up-and-comers a chance to play along side the man they would have grown up watching - what a feeling that will be for the youngsters. They need to take the opportunity, and absorb everything they possibly can from Wiki while he's with them.

Ruben Wiki's career began back in June 13th,1993, when he debuted for the Canberra Raiders against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Playing along-side some of leagues legends (Mel Maninga, Laurie Daley, Bradley Clyde, Steve Walters, and Ricky Stuart - bit of experience there...), gave Wiki the opportunity to learn from the true masters and perfect his trade, which he did as a center, initially, before moving into the forwards later in his career.

In 1994 Wiki went on to help win the Winfield Cup with the Raiders, defeating the Bulldogs 36-12.

He has since gone on to play 225 games for the mighty green machine (over twelve years), before signing with the Warriors in 2005, where he has played 70 games. Add to that a world record breaking 55 Tests for the Kiwis (including 18 as captain), and you've got a real icon of rugby league.

Wiki has hinted that at the end of the 2008 season he may hang up his boots, rather than head off to England to play for the Castleford Tigers in the Super League. Whatever option he chooses, he'll always be remembered as one of rugby leagues true warriors.

In other league news, Melbourne Storm back-rower Michael Crocker is off to the UK to play for Hull at the end of the year. The Australian and Queensland star has had a great NRL career, especially since joining the Storm after moving from the Sydney Roosters. Injuries, though, have limited his game time somewhat over the past few seasons.

Before the loss in game one of the 2008 State of Origin series, Crocker had an impressive run of 38 successive wins in a row.

Wouldn't you like some of that brought your way, Hull?

A 25-man training squad was announced on Monday, as Graham Henry looks to finalise his All Blacks lineup for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and England.

It's important to note that this is not the official lineup, but rather a training camp. This gives those selected a chance to show Henry they have what it takes to represent New Zealand at the highest level - no pressure, lads!

The Canterbury boys, of course, are still on Super 14 duty with the final this Saturday.

Always one to throw us the odd (ha...) curve ball, Henry has selected a few players that are - well - surprising. Among these are locks Kevin O'Neill (Waikato), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), and Tom Donnelly (Otago), who will all be looking to secure the third locking spot. Ali Williams and Brad Thorn, however, will still be the ones to beat. Jason Eaton has been left out of the training squad, which seems quite strange to us. He has some experience at Test level, and can cover on the flanks if needed.

Are you listening, Mr Henry?

Other first timers include Paul Williams (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), and Rudi Wolf (North Harbour). All have shown potential throughout the Super 14, and with so many of last years All Blacks now overseas they've got a good shot at playing Test footy this year.

The biggest surprises, though, are those who missed out, with Piri Weepu (Wellington - or should we say, the Warriors? We'd like that, Piri...), Jason Eaton (Taranaki - come on, Graham - are you serious?), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), and Chris Masoe (Wellington - but for how long?) all unwanted by the All Black selectors at this stage.

We say 'at this stage', beacuse you just never know with Henry...

Jaime McIntosh (Southland), Lelia Masaga (Counties Manukau), and Liam Messam (Waikato) are also unlucky to miss out on the training squad, although this doesn't necessarily mean they aren't in contention. We'll say it again - what will you do, Graham?

Without the Crusaders in the mix, it's difficult to say who will make the [actual] All Blacks squad this year. There'll be some selected for the training squad who will miss out when the final team is named this Sunday, but they do have a chance to impress Henry and Co. It will certainly be interesting to see what they can bring to the table...

We would expect Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Dan Carter (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Stephen Brett (Canterbury - getting sick of hearing that word, yet?), Ali Williams (Tasman), Brad Thorn (Tasman), and Greg Sommerville (Canterbury - another one for ya...) to all be included in the final All Blacks squad, while Keiran Reid (Canterbury - OK, so it's getting old now...), Scott Hamilton (Canterbury - give it a break, please), and Casey Laulala (Canterbury - last one, we promise) will be looking to perform well this weekend to impress the All Black selectors before the squad is named.

Here's the full Training Squad:

Props: John Afoa (Auckland), John Schwalger (Wellington), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).
Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Kevin Mealamu (Auckland).
Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Kevin O'Neill (Waikato).
Loose Forwards: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago).
Half backs: Jimmy Cown (Southland), Brendon Leonard (Waikato).
First-fives: Stephen Donald (Waikato).
Second-fives: Ma'a Nonu (Wellington).
Centers: Richard Kahui (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Conrad Smith (Wellington).
Wingers: Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Rudi Wolf (North Harbour).
Fullback: Paul Williams (Canterbury).

Whatever happens, we can't wait for the Test season to start.

Watch out, England.