The Crusaders might have failed in their bid to defend their Rebel Sport Super 14 title, but they still end 2009 as winners.

And at the same time the Blues could do well to learn some lessons from how the men from the mainland succeeded on the field despite a raft of defections from their 2008 squad and a season-long injury toll.

Both sides went into this season with a tall order in front of them to make the top four.

But by the end of their respective campaigns, their achievements were poles apart.

The Blues were left to flounder in mediocrity, with excuses instantly being aired over their poor ninth place finish.

But the Crusaders, who faced the same challenges as the Blues, just got on with doing the business and secured a very credible semifinal berth.

And their achievement in reaching the top four after winning just one of their first five matches shows you that what is going on within the Crusaders' franchise is something which should be heralded.

But the same can't be said about the Blues.

Both sides went into the season with new-look squads, something forced on them largely by the ongoing player drain overseas.

The size of the changes at the Crusaders was evident in the fact that Richie McCaw and Leon MacDonald were the sole members of the starting 15 in Sunday's semifinal from the side which played the Bulls at the same stage of the 2007 stage.

But so many of the newcomers to the Super 14 arena with the Crusaders instantly brought into the franchise's never give in attitude.

In contrast, many of the newcomers Blues coach Pat Lam worked with were so far off the pace it wasn't funny; they couldn't cut it in last year's Air New Zealand Cup so it wasn't overly surprising.

I'm not a Crusaders fan. I never have been and never will be.

But their exploits this season are still something which has left a sizeable impression.

Rookie coach Blackadder managed to get the best out of his charges.

While their play could hardly be called awe-inspiring, they played within their limitations and got the job done.

The Blues in contrast resembled a rabble - a team with no structure.

Other high-profile members of the side's playing roster also failed to step up when their team most needed them.

While they weren't helped by injuries, the heat has to come on their coaching staff. But to date, they have been given an easy ride.

I'm not suggesting that knee-jerk decisions to make changes to the Blues' coaching team should be made just yet.

But there are certainly some further up the chain of command at the Blues who should be made to justify their existence.

Where is the long-term planning at the Blues?

For a city of one million people, and a franchise which covers three first division provinces, it is shameful that Blues fans are continually being dished up second best by their side.

The Crusaders on the other hand have had a proven succession plan since the late 1990s.

The Blues would do themselves some good by employing some of the traits that make the Crusaders so successful.

What do you think?

How impressed were you by the Crusaders? And what needs to be done to get the Blues winning again?