Defending champion Crusaders spark Super Rugby playoff hopes
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Blues’ nine match winning streak in Super Rugby Pacific ended Saturday in unexpected circumstances and just in time to cause them concern before the playoffs begin.
The Auckland-based Blues took an 11-1 record to Christchurch where they faced the 2-10 Crusaders and were beaten 29-27, leaving them clinging to first place on points differential and re-igniting the Crusaders’ playoff hopes.
The Blues’ only previous loss came 10 weeks earlier, against the Wellington-based Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are now level on points with the Blues after edging the Hamilton-based Chiefs 20-17 on Friday.
The Hurricanes are well-placed to take over first place as they finish the regular season next weekend against the Dunedin-based Highlanders while the Blues take on the fourth-place Chiefs.
The defending champion Crusaders seemed a forlorn hope of reaching the playoffs as they struggled through their worst-ever season. Depleted by injuries and the loss of key players after last season, the Crusaders went six rounds before registering their first win, then another three weeks before beating the Melbourne Rebels.