In a Super Rugby weekend that delivered an unexpected win for the Highlanders and a royal thumping for the Chiefs, it was arguably the resting Crusaders who were the biggest winners.
The New Zealand Conference is shaping as the tightest in the current format's four year history with just five points separating the top team from bottom.
The competition is screaming out for one side to take control and it is the Crusaders, who have a run of home games, growing confidence and momentum, as well as the prospect of Richie McCaw returning.
Never before have all five teams been in contention this deep into the season.
In 2012 the points gap between the first-placed Chiefs and bottom-placed Blues after 11 rounds was 32 points.
Last year there was a 25 point gap separating the Chiefs from the Highlanders at this stage.
On Friday, the Blues takes on the Reds at 7.35pm Friday while the Rebels take on the Sharks at 9.40pm.
On Saturday the Crusaders takes on the Brumbies at 4.35pm followed by the Chiefs and the Lions at 7.35pm.
Story by: Aliki Bia
