On a cold and crisp night in Christchurch, the Auckland Blues gave it everything in their Super Rugby semi-final, but fell just short.

The match was tied 14–14 at halftime, and it stayed tense right to the final whistle.

With the Blues pushing hard in the dying minutes, the Crusaders' defence stood firm, shutting down any chance of a last-minute comeback.

In the end, it was the Crusaders who found the edge, scoring in the second half and keeping the Blues scoreless.

It finished 21–14.

Several familiar faces bowed out in Blues colours, including Rieko Ioane, Adrian Choat, Harry Plummer, Ricky Riccitelli, and Mark Tele’a, the end of an era for fans.

For many Coasties who back the Blues, this one stings.

Whether you were shouting at the TV or watching with mates over a beer, it hurt.

But there’s pride in how they played, with heart, grit, and fight.

Now attention turns to what’s next.

A rebuild, yes, but also a chance for new names to rise and loyal Blues fans from the Hibiscus Coast to keep backing their boys.

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