At the same time and venue next week, the unbeaten Blues host the defending champion Crusaders in a match not to be missed. There's every reason to suggest the Blues pose a serious threat to the Crusaders securing a fifth successive title. After a Josh Ioane penalty opened the scoring, the Highlanders were never in the contest. Two more from Kurt Eklund and Akira Ioane sealed the result - consolation tries from Ash Dixon and Folau Fakatava merely papering over the cracks for the Highlanders. Blues 39 (Otere Black, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Kurt Eklund, Akira Ioane tries; Black 4 cons, 2 pens)Highlanders 17 (Ash Dixon, Folau Fakatava tries; Josh Ioane 2 cons, pen)HT: 17-3

Source: New Zealand Herald March 14, 2021 04:30 UTC