In a match that lived up to all of its pre-match hype, the Blues dominated the first 60 minutes and looked set for a convincing victory when Crusaders lock Scott Barrett was red carded for a shoulder to the head of Blues prop Alex Hodgman. The Blues scored soon after Barrett left the field to stretch the lead to 24-10.
The Crusaders came storming back with a double to Sevu Reece to close the gap to 27-23 with 10 minutes left on the clock. It looked as though the Blues Christchurch curse would continue when replacement lock Dom Gardiner found himself unmarked out wide with the try-line in sight.
Blues centre Rieko Ioane made an incredible try-saving tackle to prevent the try and the Blues held on for the famous win.
Crusaders 23 (Will Jordan, Sevu Reece 2 tries, Richie Mo’unga con, 2 pen) Blues 27 (Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Kurt Eklund tries, Stephen Perofeta 2 con, pen, Beauden Barrett con, pen)
HT: 7-17
Watch the match highlights below: