The Chiefs played the Crusaders in Christchurch for the first time in over 4 years - the draw and 2011 earthquake being the reasons for this anomaly - and got absolutely walloped on Friday night for their efforts.
Questions had been raised about whether the Crusaders still had the ingredient that made them Super Rugby's most successful team ever and about coach Todd Blackadder's credentials.
What cannot be doubted is the Crusaders' home form - the Crusaders haven't lost in Christchurch this year and their winning margins have been pretty big even when they haven't played that well. It is this form that has been vital in securing their participation in the post-season of Super Rugby.
The only downside of this Crusaders' win is that it has somewhat dented the Chiefs' chances of finishing as the number 1 side in Super Rugby this year and they now must beat the Blues in Auckland to keep their chances alive of having home advantage throughout the playoffs. They must also hope that the Sharks and Stormers can do them a favour and beat the Bulls in their last two games - and the Force upset the Brumbies should they lose in Auckland.
As for the Crusaders, this places them in a good position to host at least one playoff game although they will probably have to play in Australia or South Africa in the next round - not that the Crusaders will be worried about that on the evidence of Friday night's performance.
With Dan Carter, Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock finally hitting the form that they're capable of at the right end of the season, title number 8 suddenly seems like a very realistic prospect.
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