Super Rugby: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson pledges proud send-off for Wyatt Crockett

Final preparations are usually full of excitement and nerves, but there's also poignancy for Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.

After leaving veteran prop Wyatt Crockett out of his line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Lions, Robertson's promising to send him off in the best way possible.

"Which is … you know... as he started... with real pride," he says, holding back some tears.

Crockett will now retire from Super Rugby from the side-lines after more than 200 games.

"It was the hardest decision I've had to make as a coach, I'll be honest with you," admits Robertson. "Great man, great Crusader, highest capped and given more to this team than anyone else."

Crockett featured with All Blacks skipper Kieran Read last time Christchurch hosted a final in 2008.

Thirty-two-year-old Read never thought it would take another 10 more years to get back here.

"You just turn up as a young fella and play the game, and celebrate and move on," he says. "It didn't sink in too much."

super rugby playoff bracket

So he's taking everything in this time.

"Picking up the kids from school, it's the same thing you know. All the kids and parents are wishing you luck."

Many think the Crusaders don't need luck. Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd reckons they're 20 points better than any other side.

Amazingly, Lions coach Swys de Bruin agrees.

"He's not far off," says de Bruin.

Although, he's not completely writing his team off before their third straight final.

"We saw with Kevin Anderson, our South African tennis player," says de Bruin, referencing the recent Wimbledon men's singles final, where a gallant Anderson lost to Novak Djokovic.

"That's why it's sport - anything can happen on the day."

With the Crusaders finally at home and a club legend to play for, the Lions concede they're major underdogs.

Super Rugby: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson pledges proud send-off for Wyatt Crockett

Newshub.