Cantabs love Auckland after Blues one night stand

Xavier Rush

Carlos Spencer may have got a kick out of "pissing off Canterbury crowds" during his first class rugby career but any anti-Auckland antipathy inspired by public enemy No 1 at Jade Stadium has surely dissipated -- if only temporarily.

The Blues, possibly to the chagrin of those domiciled around Eden Park and undoubted amusement of the citizens of Christchurch, handed the Crusaders the opportunity to host the Super 12 final on May 28 after restricting the New South Waratahs to three tries at Aussie Stadium last night.

The Waratahs won 25-20 but lost the competition lead by not scoring a four-try bonus point. Both the Crusaders and Waratahs finished the round robin on 44 points with a nine-win two loss record but the Crusaders had the superior points differential.

For the Blues the result ended their faint chances of a fourth-title -- while gifting their bitter southern rivals the chance of a fifth crown, and second on home turf.

Blues coach Peter Sloane allowed himself a wry smile when asked to ponder Auckland's new found popularity in the Garden City.

"Cantabs might say we're not such a bad outfit," he declared, before confirming he still had his faculties intact by adding: "I don't think it will be for many hours really."

Captain Xavier Rush also had a chuckle at orchestrating a scenario which favours the Crusaders.

"It's great to do a service for another New Zealand side," he smiled.

"And if they do make the final they'll probably give us half the gate take."

- NZPA