The NSW Waratahs are walking a tightrope to the Super Rugby finals after having a four-match winning streak snapped at their Christchurch graveyard.
The clinical Crusaders put a major dent in the Waratahs' playoff hopes with a 29-10 victory at AMI Stadium on Friday night to consolidate their own position atop the ladder.
Waratahs captain Michael Hooper lamented a slow start after his side blew the chance to smash a 12-year hoodoo against the seven-time champions in New Zealand and take charge of the Australian conference.
Two early tries - and a 12-0 lead - proved much too much of a start as the Crusaders prevailed in an entertaining encounter despite slippery conditions.
"We saw (the wet weather) as a pretty good positive for us, a really good chance to pressure the Crusaders, put them on the back foot, hopefully turn them into mistakes and us get the upper hand," Hooper said.
"But it wasn't to be. They were really clinical in that first 10 minutes."
The Waratahs' defeat was a huge reprieve for the Brumbies, who now look in the box seat to snare Australia's guaranteed finals spot.
Unable to pick up any competition points with the bye this weekend, the Brumbies will be strong favourites in their last four home-and-away games against the struggling Sunwolves, Queensland Reds, Blues and Western Force.
Facing a more challenging run home, the Waratahs will likely need to win their remaining matches against the Chiefs, Sunwolves, Hurricanes and Blues to confirm their place in the playoffs.
Bouncing back from their loss to the defending champion Highlanders last week, the Crusaders moved clear of the chasing back with their ninth win from 11 starts in 2016.
Winger Johnny McNicholl was the star, scoring the hosts' first try three minutes in and then putting fullback Israel Dagg over shortly after.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was in the crowd and again would have been impressed with Israel Folau's latest showing at outside centre as the dual international's speed, strength and footwork set up a lovely try for winger Rob Horne to bring the Waratahs back into the contest.
Folau continued to shine in the second half, but the Crusaders' third try, coming from Jordan Taufua, sealed the deal with no Kurtley Beale on hand to inspire a Waratahs fightback.
Former Crusader and All Black Zac Guildford bagged a satisfying try late on in his return from a broken toe but it was a minor consolation for the Tahs, who return home on Saturday facing an uphill battle to make the finals.
"We've got another week of preparation for another Kiwi side, the Chiefs, who are doing well, so it's another challenge," Hooper said.
The Chiefs will arrive in Sydney as competition leaders if they score a bonus-point win over the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday in Hamilton.
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