America's Cup 2017: Oracle and Team New Zealand set for mega showdown on final day of Louis Vuitton challenger series

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill is gearing his team up for a dogfight on the water against Team New Zealand when the two boats meet on  the final day of the Louis Vuitton Challenger series on Sunday.

The Kiwis have already locked up top spot in the challenger series, and can earn themselves an America's Cup bonus point with a win against the defenders.

The brash Australian said the race presents an opportunity for his crew to sail under intense pressure ahead of the business end of the regatta that awaits them later in the month.

"The race against the Kiwis will be the decider for us for the bonus point," Spithill said.

"Great opportunity for the team to go into one of these races with real pressure, the race with BAR (Team Great Britain) doesn't really matter, it's all about the Kiwi race tomorrow.

"We need to go and win that race. It's something that both teams will be pumped up for. It's going to be great."

The bonus point situation is complicated, but weighed in the defenders favour.

If Team New Zealand helmsmen Peter Burling and crew beat Oracle on Sunday, and then go on to challenge for the America's Cup, Spithill and his team will start the series on -1 point.

The flipside to that is the Americans can guarantee themselves a head-start come the time to defend the auld mug, with the challenger facing the -1 point handicap.

Spithill said Oracle's contribution to the challenger series has benefited all involved.

"I think our involvement has made the event better."

Adding, "It's hard to gauge who it's better for because clearly the challengers are getting great racing and a good read on us and vice-versa.

"I think it's definitely the future for the event, its way more compelling and let's face it, there is something worth fighting for. I think it's worked."

Burling echoed Spithill's assertion about the pressure of the virtual play-off, noting that the team is learning from each and every race experience.

"We really enjoy those opportunities and to learn from it," said Burling.

"It's going to be a good race against Oracle and hopefully a few more to come.

"We had a lot to improve on when we got here  we sailed a lot better than we have today, but for ourselves it's about keeping on that steep learning slop and keep on improving."

The Kiwis needed a little bit of help on Saturday to ensure they remained in the hunt to top Oracle in the points standing, and Artemis came to the party with a comfortable win over the defenders.

Burling admitted they watched that race with an eagle eye.

"It's fair to say we were cheering for Artemis (against Oracle) in that race. It's great that now we have the opportunity to go into a race with a bit more pressure tomorrow and that's what we are excited about."

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