The Crusaders have prevailed in the Super Rugby Pacific's biggest heavyweight battle of the season so far, but it didn't come easily against the Brumbies in a GIO Stadium thriller.
Having offered a sneak preview of what the Crusaders might look like in the future during their 53–15 win over the Force in Perth, it is a more traditional line-up that will meet the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.
Needing to get back on a winning road, the Crusaders were aware they wouldn't get any favours from a Force team who had been unlucky in some games in their Super Rugby Pacific match in Perth on Saturday.
Turning around a loss to the Blues while on the road for 23 days in Australia will be the goal for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific, starting with their Sunday game against the Rebels in Super Round Melbourne, presented by Fiji Airways.
The Blues have overcome the Crusaders 27-23 in a match between the top-ranked New Zealand teams in Super Rugby Pacific on Friday, claiming their first win in Christchurch in 18 years.
With 10 days to go until the Super Round Melbourne presented by Fiji Airways kicks off, check out our list of 10 things to look forward to in Melbourne.
The Crusaders have clung to a three-point lead for 33 minutes to beat the Hurricanes 24-21 in a contentious Super Rugby Pacific match that featured seven lead changes.
The Crusaders have held on through a scoreless second half and with 14 men for the last three minutes to beat the Highlanders 17-14 in Super Rugby Pacific.