While denying the first super point finish of the season, the Crusaders retained their lead atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings with seven wins and two losses to their name.
The Crusaders have now won seven of their last eight encounters against the Blues, showcasing their recent dominance over the Auckland-based franchise. The victory on Friday evening was their second win over the Blues this season, after a 42-19 victory in round six at Eden Park.
The Crusaders have the luxury of consistency as they further their pursuit of another title. But this week, something of a wildcard Blues side stand in their way.
Super Rugby Pacific's week-by-week Player of the Year voting system has been bringing fans an insight into which players have been impressing opposition the most in 2025.
The decision by Ineos to renege on a lucrative six-year deal was looking like having a catastrophic impact on NZRU's finances
England lock Ollie Chessum will return to Leicester Tigers' starting XV on Sunday as his side host Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership.
Debuts don't get much more challenging for a front rower than coming up against the South Africans, making Williams' performance all the more impressive.
The 22-year-old prop entered the fray as the Springboks had gained ascendency after emptying their loaded bench which resulted in a rolling maul try to Malcolm Marx.
After a rock-solid introduction to Super Rugby in 2021, Tamaiti Williams is set to make a massive impact on the competition next year – and in a position where New Zealand is desperate for some new blood.
Waikato will travel back down south this weekend to face Southland Stags at Rugby Park, Invercargill, in week 4 of the Mitre 10 Cup on Sunday afternoon.