But such is the closeness of this year's competition, there will be a few more surprises to come.
Not many expected the Jaguares to beat the Hurricanes in Wellington, nor the Lions to rack up 38 points to beat the Highlanders in Johannesburg, but the Chiefs, now 14th, are almost certainly out of the playoffs race.
"It's a great competition," said MacDonald after his team's victory, their fifth of the season, after stressing the importance of responding to setbacks. He will, however, appreciate that few respond better than the Crusaders under Scott Robertson, and the red and blacks have an incredible home record to protect.
"We're looking forward to the Crusaders, obviously, but we'll deal with that [today]," the Blues coach said. "Every game is do-or-die for everybody, other than probably the Crusaders."
MacDonald will hope hooker James Parsons returns from a slight back injury — he was a late withdrawal against the Chiefs — as was prop Karl Tu'inukuafe, who was ill.
The Crusaders had some late drama, too, with No 8 Kieran Read pulling out due to a shoulder-neck injury suffered in training, and there was more during it, with television match official Marius Jonker effectively ruling out a try to Sevu Reece in the 75th minute due to a forward pass from Braydon Ennor.
The laws of the game allow for the ball to travel forward if it comes out of the passer's hands backwards but South African Jonker had other ideas.
"We're obviously disappointed," said Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar. "We liked the first decision [awarded try] better. At the same time, that's what the officials are there to do."
This was the Crusaders' second draw to a South African team in three rounds but the positive news for them is that they banked seven competition points in their two games in the Republic — they enjoyed a bonus-point win over the Bulls the previous weekend — and remain on track to finish the regular season in first place, as they have a nine-point lead over the Hurricanes.
The prospect of a long flight won't fill them with joy but a return to Christchurch's Rugby Park and another home game will.
"We have no doubt we'll be fired up and well prepared for the Blues on Saturday," Mooar said.
"Every team that's playing us is playing their grand final. It's a positive we've earned and we're respectful of that and we embrace it.
"As the tournament gets into its later stages, there's going to be desperation in the air every week. That's something we've felt right the way through.
"It's more about what we need to do to be ready to beat the Blues rather than being wary of an opponent. We respect all and fear none, and that won't be any different this week."
