The Blues are back at Eden Park tonight, for one of Super Rugby Pacific’s fiercest rivalries.

They take on the Crusaders in a high-stakes match kicking off at 7:05.

Coasties heading along—or tuning in from home—can expect a thriller.

A win will push the Blues into the top six, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

The team is buoyed by last weekend’s gutsy one-point loss to the Chiefs, a game many are calling the best of the season so far.

Coach Vern Cotter says his squad is ready to build on that performance.

“We need to continue to dig deep,” Cotter says. “If we trust in ourselves and each other, we can prosper.”

Key Players Back

• No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu returns after suspension.
• Caleb Clarke rejoins the All Black-powered back three with Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a.
• Xavi Taele earns his second start in midfield after impressing on debut.
• Stephen Perofeta returns to the starting lineup at first five-eighth.

The Blues’ pack, led by skipper Patrick Tuipulotu, has been gaining strength.

Against the Chiefs, they clocked 160 carries and 328 post-contact metres, and nailed every scrum and lineout.

With Eden Park expected to be buzzing, Coasties can look forward to a passionate atmosphere and a game with major playoff implications.

Heading to Eden Park?

Gates open two hours before kickoff.

Watching from home?

Tune in at 19:05 and cheer the boys on.

A top-six spot is on the line, and every supporter counts!

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