Blues (6) 24 / Crusaders (19) 22 (Final Score) 

The Blues hosted the Crusaders at Eden Park, Auckland at 19:35 NZ Time (08:35 SA Time). This was the match thread for discussion of the game. The match was broadcast live on SuperSport 1 & M-Net on TV in SA.

Enthrawling game, high intensity and high pace, attacking space well!

After trailing most of the match, the Blues put in a fantastic effort to come from behind and beat the Crusaders.

The only blemish on the match was some wayward goal kicking on both sides.

Scorers:

Blues: 3 Penalties Stephen Brett, 1 Try Benson Stanley, 1 Try Tony Woodcock, 1 Try Keven Mealamu

Crusaders: 4 Penalties Dan Carter, 1 Try Sean Maitland, 1 Try Andy Ellis

Teams:

Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain),1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney/Ash Dixon, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Lachie Munro, 22  Sherwin Stowers.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Tom Marshall/Tyler Bleyendaal.

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jonathon White (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)