The Crusaders are into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals after beating the Blues in Christchurch, a result that keeps their title defence alive and stretches their unbeaten run in home finals to 33 matches. The Blues’ season now hinges on whether they can still slip through as the highest-ranked lucky loser.

That possibility matters because the Blues came into the knockout match on a slide that had already turned into four straight losses, after conceding 36, 47, 59 and 52 points in their previous defeats. It was their first run of four losses in a row in seven years, and they needed something rare in Christchurch to change the story.

They briefly found it. Sam Nock scored first and the Blues led 7-0, but the match turned when Malachi Wrampling was sent off for direct shoulder-to-head contact on Leicester Fainga'anuku, leaving the visitors with 14 men for 20 minutes. While Wrampling watched from the sideline, the Crusaders scored four tries to one and seized control before halftime.

Johnny McNicholl, David Havili, Chay Fihaki and Taha Kemara all crossed before the break, and the home side went to the shed 33-14 ahead. Anton Segner added a try for the Blues even while they were a man short, but it did not stop the Crusaders from building the result that sent them through.

The wider picture is still not fully settled for the Blues. They were mentioned as a side that could advance as the highest-ranked lucky loser even after four straight defeats, which leaves their next step dependent on the rest of the playoff picture rather than what they produced in Christchurch. If they do get through, they would face the Hurricanes next weekend.

For the Crusaders, the path is clearer. They stay alive in the title race, and if the Chiefs win later they would likely meet them in a grand final rematch next week. That is the reward for a home performance that once again looked familiar in the place where they almost never lose when the finals arrive.