Crusaders v Blues: Stakes are high, and the intensity will be even higher

Tonight at Apollo Projects Stadium, the stakes are high, and the intensity will be even higher.

It's do or die in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Final between the Crusaders and Blues – one of Super Rugby's great rivalries.

The Crusaders have won 21 of the last 23 Super Rugby Pacific games against the Blues, one of which was earlier this season by only three points.

They have have also won three of their four finals meetings with the Blues, losing only in the 2003 final (17-21).

The Crusaders have won their last four SRP games in a row against the Blues at Apollo Projects Stadium, but the last two have been by margins of just two and three points respectively.

Three of the Blues last five SRP games against New Zealand opponents have been decided by a margin of just one point.

They've won two of their last three SRP games away from Eden Park, including a 20-19 win against the Chiefs in the Qualifying Final last round, and they'll be looking to win back-to-back games away from their home turf for the first time since Round 11 in 2024.

The Crusaders play the Blues at 7.05 tonight.

In the the other semi final, the Chiefs face the Brumbies at 7.05pm tomorrow.

Source: Crusaders.com