Flight number QF64 may not mean much to most. But South African Super rugby teams, past and present, have come to view it with dread, apprehension and, perhaps even fear.It is on that flight, from OR Tambo International to Sydney - before a connecting flight to New Zealand - that so many South African teams have travelled on no more than a wing and a prayer.Last night the Lions departed on QF64 with the hopes of a nation beneath their wings. For them, it's a wing and a roar.They are bound for Wellington where they meet the Hurricanes in Saturday's Super rugby final and, unlike their compatriots before them, the Lions have high hopes.The odds have been and continue to be massively stacked against visiting teams winning play-off matches in New Zealand. But the Lions are unique in that no touring side has even gone there armed with a Kiwi playing style."Undoubtedly," said Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph after his team was beaten 42-30 in the semifinal at Ellis Park."They are a well-balanced side and have a great attacking mindset, which comes out in their defence as well. I think we are very similar in many ways."The Lions play with a ferocity and intensity with which few teams can cope. "That was one of the fastest games I've played in," said Highlanders captain Ben Smith of the semifinal."They definitely have a chance (in the final). They've shown how well they can play. I don't think the travel is going to be an issue. They'll be pretty excited to be playing in a final."Last year the Highlanders took the low road en route to the title. First they had to engage the Chiefs in a play-off match before winning away from home in the semifinal and the final.The last time the Lions flew into New Zealand on a long-haul flight they arrived from Tokyo having beaten the Sunwolves."That was a difficult flight as was the buildup," Lions coach Johan Ackermann recalls. Yet, his team beat the Chiefs that weekend.They won three of their tour matches last year and two this year, a feat Ackermann believes has helped embolden his team when they now travel. Besides, his team grew out of hardship."Three years ago to the week we played promotion/relegation," said Ackermann. "Now we are in the final of Super rugby."When I look back at the past three years I am dumbstruck but thankful for the pride of the players, the management, the people who made this journey with us."Against redoubtable opponents, they do, however, have one last hurdle to clear."I believe that, in finals, what will be will be. It's 50/50," said the ever-smiling Ackermann."The Highlanders reminded us when they visited our change-room that they did it [won the final] there [in Wellington] last year."The pressure is on the Hurricanes because it is a home game. We can just enjoy our game as we have done for the past two weeks."..