Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is staying philosophical, after their 27-23 defeat to the Blues surrendered an 18-year undefeated home record against their fiercest rivals.
Unbeaten against the Blues in Christchurch since 2004, the Crusaders were undone by Leon MacDonald's resurgent side, who held on for a narrow four-point win at Orangetheory Stadium.
The result sent the Blues to the top of Super Rugby Pacific after eight matches played, before the start of trans-Tasman crossovers, beginning next week.
The Crusaders are fourth, with six wins and two losses, three points off top spot, but for Robertson, who has won a trophy every year he's coached the Crusaders since 2018, defeat will remind his players of the level they need to be at - even if it comes at the expense of one of Canterbury's favourite records.
"In your tenure, in your coaching, you have a few records, but you want to keep that one," Robertson said. "It's a good chance to reflect on what it does take and how desperate teams are, how big games are and how to win big ones.
"You've just got to be on. It's a good reminder for us - we'll reflect as a coaching group.
"We'll go on tour for four games, three-and-a-half weeks... Crusaders tour well.
"It's a good chance to reflect and there's plenty of the comp left."
Robertson also hopes the Blues defeat, combined with a couple of near misses against the Highlanders and Hurricanes in recent weeks, will help the Crusaders find another gear, knowing that teams don't fear them as they have in recent seasons.
"This group hasn't had that feeling," he added. "There's a lot of young guys and a lot of old guys that haven't either.
"Eighteen years is a long time since they've beaten us and they just realise how desperate other teams are. We've had a lot of close games in the last few weeks.
"It'll keep us sharp."
Fortunately for Robertson, the Crusaders won't have to worry about facing the Blues again until playoffs, where they have plenty of recent experience.
Instead, the Crusaders can bounce back with an upcoming Australian tour, where Robertson's side face the Rebels, Waratahs, Force and Brumbies on the road.
"What you learn in those months helps you win it [the title]," Robertson said. "We'll remember.
"You've got to move on pretty quick. We've got magic round in Melbourne, we'll get excited about that and get a few more players out there to give an opportunity in our jersey.
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