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The Live Sport Bible is here!'Steeped in history’: Crusaders, Blues reignite rivalry in ultimate do-or-die encounter
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 4th, 2026 2:20 pm
Crusaders v Blues at Te Kaha Stadium | Photo: Photosport
The rivalry between the Blues and Crusaders never rests, with Saturday’s knockout encounter serving as the ultimate battle in week one of the Super Rugby playoffs.
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar told Sport Nation Mornings he believes the matchup will again showcase that “great and fierce rivalry.”
“It's as hand-to-hand and face-to-face as it's always been,” Mooar said.
Mooar, 51, who referred to himself as a "rugby romantic", said his appreciation for the matchup goes back to some of the classics of yesteryear, highlighted by their vintage Ranfurly Shield clash at Lancaster Park back in 1985.
"It's gone through the provincial game and into Super footy. It's steeped in history.”
Crusaders v Blues at Te Kaha Stadium | Photo: Photosport
While the Crusaders are comfortably ahead of the Blues in some of they statistical areas such as clean breaks, defenders beaten and offloads, Mooar insisted his team isn't getting lost in the numbers.
“They'll tell you something but you can spin them to tell you whatever story that you want to see or hear along the way.
“The main stat that matters this week is the score at the end of the game.”
The Crusaders have won 23 of their last 26 Super Rugby Pacific games against the Blues, including four of their last five clashes.
The Crusaders are the most wounded team, missing key playmakers including vice-captain Will Jordan (calf), Fletcher Newell (knee) and Tamaiti Williams (discitis) and All Blacks captain Scott Barrett (back) who previously led the Crusaders to two titles.
Do the Blues stand a chance against the Crusaders? | Scotty & Izzy
But that full injury ward has allowed opportunity for other players to step up, with Mooar acknowledging the depth within the side has provided a sense of security.
“A lot of guys have played footy this year for us and that puts us in a great position for the finals footy now.”
However, if the Crusaders can earn themselves a spot in the semi-final, it could mean a return from All Blacks prop Newell.
“He's walking around well with a good smile on his face and a really good mindset around it. So I think we can be optimistic around him and if all boxes get ticked, we're certainly hopeful of him pulling the jersey on again for us."
The Blues have won eight of their 11 Super Rugby finals games since 2021 but will are entering the match on a three-game losing streak. They are also without stars Beauden Barrett (quad) and co-captain Dalton Papali'i (jaw).
Listen to the full interview below:
