The Reds booked a home final at Lang Park with a 30-13 victory over the Blues on Saturday night, outplaying the Aucklanders four tries to one.
The Crusaders clinched their spot in the final by outclassing the Stormers 29-10 in Cape Town to become the first team in 11 years to win a play-off on foreign soil.
Queensland will have a major advantage in hosting the match as the nomadic Cantabrians, who have played away from earthquake-ravaged Christchurch all season, will arrive in Brisbane on Monday night jet-lagged.
Helping the Reds' cause is that no injuries were sustained in their semi-final with coach Ewen McKenzie on Sunday reporting a "clean bill of health".
Number eight Radike Samo was replaced just before half-time with a head knock but has been cleared to play the final to ensure no changes to the 22 will be required.
Winger Luke Morahan (hamstring) is the only player from the small group of sidelined Reds in with a chance of returning for the final.
McKenzie said he was not surprised by the Crusaders' "ruthless display" against the Stormers.
"They are big game performers and I thought they played a brilliant game," he said.
"They've timed their run perfectly and it will make for a great occasion.
"I've made the point all along that the teams that get to the end are the teams that can attack and defend well - the Crusaders are one team and I think we've shown that.
"The Stormers have a had a great season particularly in defence but they struggled to breach the line against the Crusaders."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, new-zealand First posted July 3, 2011 14:27:00
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