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.
A strengthened Waratahs side is looking to end a long stretch of Eden Park misery in their Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal with the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
The Blues have opened the final weekend of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season with a 16-9 home win over the Highlanders that severely dented the visitors' playoff hopes and opened the door for three of their rivals.
Individual brilliance through four tries scored by wing Mark Telea was enough for the Blues to beat the Hurricanes, but it wouldn't be enough to win Super Rugby Pacific playoff games.
Winger Mark Telea scored four tries for the Blues who beat the Wellington-based Hurricanes 36-25 to stiffen their challenge for a Super Rugby Pacific top-four place.
Building on their effort against the Reds last week when playing the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Saturday is driving the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific game.
Beauden Barrett spun a web around the Queensland Reds before limping off as the Blues inflicted a 45-26 win in Brad Thorn's last game as coach at Suncorp Stadium.
Consistency, especially against the top teams in Super Rugby Pacific, continues to elude the Blues, and things will be more challenging in Brisbane on Friday against a confident Reds team.
It was a case of 'You win some, you lose some' for the Blues during their 55-21 DHL Super Rugby Pacific win over the Waratahs at Eden Park on Saturday.
All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane's desire to be part of rugby legacy at international and Super Rugby Pacific level proved greater than a move overseas when putting ink to a contract that will see him in New Zealand until 2027.
Melbourne's Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Blues has ended in misery, suffering a crushing 54-17 defeat as well as losing three key players to injury.
