The Crusaders have kept their winning run at One NZ Stadium going after a 52-31 win over the Blues.
Rob Penney’s side capitalised on an early red card to Blues number eight Malachi Wrampling for a high shot on Leicester Fainga’anuku.
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In doing so, it keeps the Crusaders’ perfect home finals record going, even at the new ground, leaving the Blues waiting on results to determine their fate.
The Blues sought to silence the crowd early as a smart lineout play put AJ Lam through a hole, drawing the fullback for Sam Nock to score.
Sevu Reece hit back shortly afterwards after a strong run from his fellow winger Chay Fihkai.
As both teams locked into an arm-wrestle, the flashpoint moment came in the 18th minute when Wrampling smashed Fainga’anuku high.
The flanker collected the Crusaders star in the head after he received the offload from Noah Hotham, with the tackle almost instantly upgraded to a red card.
The hosts took advantage of the numbers instantly through Johnny McNicholl but the Blues were up for the fight early as they responded via Anton Segner.
Ultimately, the numbers proved too much to overcome as the Crusaders ran in three tries for a 33-14 lead at the break.
Captain David Havili started the spree in the 29th minute, with Fihaki and Kemara completing the spree for a commanding first half advantage.
The lead only grew in the second half as McNicholl crossed twice for his hat-trick to put the game out of reach.
Xavi Taele and Peyton Spencer both crossed for the visitors, but the Crusaders were often there with the answers to close out the win as they cracked 50 via the rolling maul.
It leaves the Blues waiting on results to see if their season is still alive, needing the Chiefs to defeat the Queensland Reds later today.
If they do, the Crusaders will travel up to Hamilton in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final, with a Queensland win will see them host the Reds in Christchurch.
The Blues will face the Hurricanes in Wellington with a Chiefs win, with their season over if the Reds break the Australian drought in finals.
