![\"Blues](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4JS4M5I_260307BluesCrusaders_035_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nBeauden Barrett in action for the Blues against Crusaders.
\nPhoto: Brett Phibbs\/Photosport\n<\/p>\n
What hoodoo?<\/p>\n
The Blues made a mockery of their recent record against the Crusaders, dominating the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions at Eden Park tonight.<\/p>\n
Wing Caleb Clark showcased his class with a hattrick of tries, as the Blues cruised home 29-13.<\/p>\n
Beauden Barrett earned a late call-up to start, after Stephen Perofeta was scratched with a calf complaint.<\/p>\n
The Blues made a blistering start, with a brace to Clark as the home side cut the Crusaders to ribbons out wide early.<\/p>\n
Sevens star Cody Vai’i then lit the stadium up with a stunner.<\/p>\n
Barrett fired a trademark crosskick to his winger, the bounce initially evaded Vai’i, but he went full stretch to gather and grass it inches before the deadball line.<\/p>\n
The Crusaders, who staged an incredible comeback against the Chiefs last weekend, began reducing the deficit, as All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor broke away from a maul and dotted down.<\/p>\n
The Cantabs went back to back, when halfback Noah Hotham went to the short-side and found first-five Rivez Reihana unmarked on the right flank to waltz over untouched, as the Blues held onto a 19-13 halftime lead.<\/p>\n
The second half began just as the first, with Clarke cruising into the corner for his third, courtesy of some slick hands through the Blues backline.<\/p>\n
The Crusaders were kept scoreless in the second half, as their clunky attack could make no inroads into the solid Blues defence.<\/p>\n
A late Barrett penalty sealed the deal for the Blues, just their third win in the last 13 encounters between the great rivals.<\/p>\n
Follow the live action here: <\/p>\n