Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has been labelled by an All Blacks great, Sir John Kirwan as the future of the All Blacks coaching candidate after guiding Auckland Blues to a 27-23 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Blues have ended their 18-year drought since their first win in Christchurch in 2004.
MacDonald's investment in the youth and clever recruitment scheme is a key factor in the success he is enjoying this season.
Under his stewardship, the Blues have developed numerous youngsters into game-breaking stars, with captain Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu and Caleb Clarke going on to become All Blacks.
The Blues will remain in first place heading into their upcoming six-week block of matches against Australian opposition and the Fijian Drua.
Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua remains in 11th place.
This week, all teams will converge on Melbourne's AAMI Park for a three-day Rugby-Fest.
The Chiefs will meet the Waratahs at 8pm Friday, Moana Pasifika will face the Force at 10.30pm Friday, the Blues will take on the Drua at 7.05pm Saturday, the Hurricanes will play the Reds at 9.45pm Saturday, the Highlanders will meet the Brumbies at 4pm Sunday and the Crusaders will face the Rebels at 6.30pm Sunday.
[Source: credit:Rugby pass]
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