Reds coach Ewen McKenzie is not happy that bookmakers have installed his team as underdogs, going into Saturday's Super Rugby Final against the Crusaders.

The wily Reds mentor feels his team has showed all season, and by finishing top of the standings, that they are the tournament's best unit.

"I find it disappointing we're not favourites going into this game," McKenzie said.

"We don't want to be the underdog going into a Final. People want to grab the underdog status, we don't."

McKenzie acknowledged the Reds would have to be at their best to win but was confident their lack of finals experience would not be an impediment and that they would maintain the form which has brought them 14 wins from 17 games this season.

"You're playing against the most experienced team so you have to get everything right," he said. "We know for the previous game [against the Crusaders, won 17-16 by the Reds] they stressed us in certain situations and we created pressure on them. We shaded them in the end but there wasn't much in it.

"Being a final you have to make sure you get it right. They'll feel they're finding form and peaking."

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