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.
A number of returning players from injury and a new No. 10 headline the Crusaders' team naming for Moana Pasifika this week.
Brad Thorn has turned to James O'Connor with the Queensland Reds' Super Rugby Pacific season - and his time as coach - on the line in Fiji.
James O'Connor has been benched by the Queensland Reds in favour of third-choice playmaker Lawson Creighton, while Suliasi Vunivalu has been axed from the side to face the ACT Brumbies.
Jock Campbell will also return to the run-on team at fullback, with the Queensland forward pack remaining unchanged after last week’s narrow loss to the Brumbies in Canberra.
Queensland's game of musical chairs will continue at Eden Park but in James O'Connor's return, the frustrated side is anticipating a much-needed shot of belief.
Top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder will go on the line at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, the Reds (5-1) able to jump the unbeaten Brumbies with a bonus-point win.
Star Reds playmaker James O'Connor has revealed he was reduced to catching a canoe to training on Tuesday due to the devastating floods in Queensland.
Stand-in captain James O'Connor has produced a playmaking masterclass to lead the injury-hit Queensland Reds to a 29-16 win over the Western Force in Perth.
James O'Connor has stripped it back after the Reds playmaker admitted he'd bitten off too much in a run to the Super Rugby AU title.