The Crusaders overtook the Blues to finish third on the Super Rugby Pacific log ahead of next weekend’s playoffs.
The table-topping Hurricanes will host the sixth-placed ACT Brumbies in Wellington on Friday.
On Saturday, the defending champion Crusaders will face the Blues in Christchurch followed by a clash between the Chiefs and Queensland Reds in Hamilton.
MORE: Crusaders fine-tune attack ahead of playoffs
The three winning teams will progress to the semi-finals along with the highest-ranked losing team (the “lucky loser”).
In a variation from last season, in 2026 the “lucky loser” will be relegated to the lowest seeding for the semi-finals and as such forego any chance to host a semi-final or the final, should they progress.
Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
Friday, 5 June
Hurricanes (1) vs ACT Brumbies (6)
Saturday, 6 June
Crusaders (3) vs Blues (4)
Chiefs (2) vs Queensland Reds (5)
Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
