Lions coach Johan Ackermann says his side has a 50/50 chance of winning Saturday's Super Rugby final in Wellington.

The Lions beat the Highlanders 42-30 at Ellis Park to reach their first-ever Super Rugby final. They will leave for New Zealand on Sunday night and arrive in Wellington at midnight on Monday.

While no South African team has ever won a playoff match in New Zealand, Ackermann believes the Lions can make history.

'Our chances are 50/50 to win it,' he said. 'Yes, the trip will provide a challenge, but last year we won three of our four matches on tour and this year two out of three.

'We are a group that likes to spend time together and we look forward to the challenge of the final. I think all the pressure will be on the Hurricanes because they are the favourites and will be playing at home.'

Ackermann said he was proud of what the Lions had accomplished since 2013.

'Exactly three years ago we played in a promotion-relegation match against the Kings. What we have achieved in just three years to get here is very difficult to imagine.'

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images