The Crusaders are the New Zealand Super Rugby conference winners after securing a hard-fought 16-9 victory over the Hurricanes.
The win in their 'home' fixture at Westpac Stadium ensures them at least a home play-off next week in Nelson, although if the Stormers come unstuck against the Cheetahs they could yet end up with a week off.
It was by far the best effort of the year by the Hurricanes in what's been a difficult season, but it was still not enough to out-do the red and blacks who continue to produce match-winning performances despite the uncertainty and anxiety that continues in quake-stricken Christchurch.
Emotions were high in the Hurricanes camp given it was the final game for veterans Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Neemia Tialata and John Schwalger.
Nonu was cheered virtually every time he touched the ball or made a tackle, while Hore and Tialata were given rousing ovations when they were substituted during the second half.
Robbie Fruean's try early in the second half broke the game open and once Dan Carter had added the conversion to his two earlier penalties they never really looked like being overtaken. Andy Ellis' dropped goal 11 minutes from time made the result certain while Aaron Cruden kicked all the Hurricanes points.
At the start of the week All Blacks coach Graham Henry made it clear the match was a trial for All Blacks selection and the Hurricanes were clearly fired up as they looked to end a turbulent season on a high note and send Tialata, Nonu, Hore and Schwalger away with a victory.
Big tackles by Tialata, Hore, Schwalger and Faifili Levave were a big feature of the first half, while out in the backs, Nonu made some of his trademark bursts – and threw in the odd shoulder charge – to the delight of the majority of the 17,571-strong crowd.
Yet for all the attacking endeavour from both sides, the only points in the first half came from the boot with Carter and Cruden kicking two penalties apiece.
Carter slotted his first in the 15th minute after being flattened in a Nonu tackle that was adjudged to be late but the Crusaders first five-eighth missed another straightforward kick in the 29th minute when Schwalger was penalised for an incorrect bind at the scrum.
Despite the wet conditions the Hurricanes continued to attack with ball in hand but some dropped ball and solid tackling from the Crusaders meant their first real scoring opportunity didn't come until Carter was caught not rolling away at the ruck and Cruden slotted a 34th-minute penalty to tie the scores.
Carter replied almost immediately when Hore used his hands in the ruck and in a final frantic few minutes before half-time the Hurricanes skipper looked to have got across the line, although the try was denied, and Cruden levelled the scores again with his second three-pointer.
The Crusaders came out firing after the break and within a couple of minutes Fruean was going over in the left-hand corner.
A poor box kick by Piri Weepu was gathered and shipped out to Zac Guilford. The winger edged around the outside of Tialata, slipped the tackle of Jack Lam then passed outside to Fruean who dived over.
Carter curled in the conversion and the Crusaders were in the box-seat.
A third penalty for Cruden in the 53rd minute reduced the gap