Not only have Kiwi teams been crowned champions on 12 of 19 occasions, but four times the title-decider has been an all-New Zealand affair.
As the Hurricanes and the Highlanders get set for the fifth all-New Zealand final, we take a look back at the previous four times Kiwi sides went toe-to-toe for Super Rugby glory.
1998: Crusaders beat Blues 20-13 at Eden Park, Auckland
This still goes down as one of the most exciting finals in Super Rugby
history. Tied at 13-13 with just two minutes to go, Crusaders first five Andrew
Mehrtens put in an ambitious chip kick. The ball, though, took a cruel bounce
and Blues halfback Ofisa Tonu'u was only able to juggle possession and then
lose it over the line as Crusaders wing James Kerr pounced to score the
match-winning try. In what was very much a war of attrition, the Crusaders led
the Blues 3-0 at halftime but had to come from behind twice in the second
spell, with a try to lock Norm Maxwell, before now coach Todd Blackadder was
able to raise the silverware.
1999: Crusaders beat Highlanders 24-19 at Carisbrook, Dunedin
The closest New Zealand's southernmost franchise have come to a title, but
a raucous home crowd for the "Party at Tony Brown's" was not enough
as the Crusaders went back-to-back. Although Mehrtens' accuracy off the tee
proved the difference for the visitors - the All Blacks No 10 kicking three
penalties, a conversion and a drop-goal for a personal tally of 14 points -
there was no shortage of excitement as both sides scored two tries. The
Highlanders led 14-9 at halftime after Samoan wing Brian Lima started a
counter-attack and eventually scored off a pass from halfback Byron Kelleher,
but it was a brilliant chip and chase effort from Crusaders wing Afato So'oalo
that eventually put his side in front before Mehrtens' drop-goal sealed
victory.
2003: Blues beat Crusaders 21-17 at Eden Park, Auckland
Starved of a title since their 1997 triumph and in their first final since the loss to the Crusaders in 1998, the Blues got their revenge when they powered away in the second half after trailing 10-6 at the break. Two tries to hooker Mark Hammett gave the visitors that halftime lead, but a long-range response from All Blacks wing Doug Howlett put the Blues in front early in the second spell before flanker Daniel Braid benefited from a powerful lineout drive to put the hosts out by 11 with just 13 minutes to go. Caleb Ralph gave the Crusaders a glimmer of hope when he dived over in the 77th minute, but it was too little too late as Blues captain Xavier Rush was able to hoist their third title trophy.
2006: Crusaders beat Hurricanes 19-12 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch
The fog final. How can we forget? A packed house at Jade Stadium and thousands watching on TV were mostly clueless as the Crusaders won their sixth championship with victory over a Hurricanes outfit in their first title decider. An eerie fog settled over the stadium just prior to kick-off, meaning the players flitted in and out of view throughout the match. Thankfully for those trying to watch the match, it was not much of a spectacle as Crusaders midfielder Casey Laulala scored the lone try in the 62nd minute and Dan Carter kicked four penalties to see their team become the first Super 14 champs.
