Different battleground, same result. The Crusaders' stranglehold over the Blues continues at Te Kaha, with Leicester Fainga'anuku putting on a masterclass in a 36-20 victory. The converted flanker was sensational in Christchurch, with a performance reminiscent of Ardie Savea's herculean effort for Moana Pasifika against the same opposition in 2025. The switch to seven has proved more than fruitful and may have some calling for him to fill the openside position for the All Blacks, although he would need to hold off the world's best player to do so. The iconic Crusaders horses made their grand return after a short retirement and ushered in the era in familiar style, a dominant win. Marking his 100th Super Rugby match with his first-ever try, prop George Bower was finally on the board, as the southerners pulled a slick lineout move to the front.…