For the first time in eight years, the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific final is being played, and the Crusaders are nowhere to be seen.
But while the red-and-blacks continue to come to terms with their season from hell, their shadow still hangs over tonight's Super Rugby Pacific decider at a sold out Eden Park in Auckland.
The last of the Blues' three Super Rugby titles was won in 2003 – 21 years ago – while the second of the Chief's two was won in 2013, a year after their first.
Both teams facing off this weekend have also lost home finals to the Crusaders in recent times when it looked like they were in the box seat to end their waits.
Now, after four playoff defeats to the Crusaders between them in the last two seasons, they have the big stage to themselves.
Blues coach Vern Cotter says Patrick Tuipulotu "bleeds blue blood" after recovering from a knee injury in time for the Super Rugby Pacific final.
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu says the squad is aware of the history of the Blues and they know that era had a lot of success and there is a lot of motivation that comes through that.
Tuipulotu says there were a few of the old boys from that team here this morning at captain’s run and it was good to see them and it lifted the energy as well.
When these two teams last met three weeks ago, the Chiefs scored a late try in a 31-17 defeat to deny the Blues a bonus point and send the Hurricanes to the top of the table at the end of the regular season.
One team will taste glory, while one team’s wait will stretch on.
The Blues host the Chiefs at 7.05 tonight.
Source: Stuff.co
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