The Crusaders have once again dashed the Blues' title hopes by dominating their Auckland-based rivals in a 52-15 win in the first Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.
Two losses to the Crusaders earlier in the season and how they changed their game between both were lessons the Blues hope to learn from in Friday's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal in Christchurch.
The defending champion Crusaders have advanced to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals with victory over a team that beat them during the regular season.
The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances.
Having been without star player Will Jordan this season, the Crusaders are looking for a boost in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game with the Force in Christchurch.
Damian McKenzie has boosted his claim to a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad by leading the Chiefs to a 34-24 win over the defending Super Rugby Pacific champion Crusaders.
Crusaders' first five-eighths, and All Black, Richie Mo'unga, will play his 100th Super Rugby competition match when he runs out against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The Crusaders rallied from 21-17 down at halftime to beat last-placed Moana Pasifika 38-21 in a seventh-round match in Super Rugby Pacific in Christchurch.
The depleted Crusaders have made it 12 straight wins over the Queensland Reds, who are again counting the costs of unforced errors in a second-straight Super Rugby Pacific loss.