Although the Blues' biggest rivals are the Crusaders, co-captain Patrick Tuipulotu expressed empathy for the Super Rugby Pacific champions after their tough start to the season. The Crusaders, historically successful in Super Rugby, have struggled this year, losing all four matches against the Chiefs, Waratahs, Fijian Drua, and Hurricanes. This poor start is the worst ever for the Christchurch-based team, and they face the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. Tuipulotu, who is coming back from a broken jaw, understands the challenges the Crusaders are facing and has sympathy for them.