The Blues have laughed off suggestions they'll show the Crusaders the ultimate sporting respect, when the two sides meet in Auckland this weekend.
The Crusaders lifted the Super Rugby Aotearoa trophy with a game to spare after beating the Highlanders yesterday, raising questions whether the Blues would perform a 'guard of honour' for the newly crowned champions as seen in other sports.
"No, no, no," insists Blues prop Karl Tu'inukuafe. "It would be nice if they put the trophy on the line, so last game wins."
Says Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu: "I'm not sure, but I doubt that."
For the first time in Super Rugby history, the revamped post-coronavirus format will not culminate in a final, and neither the pursuing Blues nor Hurricanes can catch the three-time defending champions, even if they lose to their archrivals.
But perhaps the biggest question on everyone's minds is will Crusaders coach Scott Robertson perform his traditional victory dance on the hallowed turf of Eden Park?
Robertson held off any celebrations on Sunday out of respect for injured prop Oli Jager, who had been taken to hospital with a head knock, and the round still remaining in the competition.
Sunday afternoon's clash has officially sold out, with more than 43,000 tickets sold.
Join us at 3:30pm Sunday for live updates of the Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Aotearoa
