The Crusaders have opened their Super Rugby title defence with a dramatic 24-22 win over the Blues in Auckland, aided by two penalty tries.

The nine-time champions scored four tries to three on Saturday at Eden Park, but only clung to victory when Blues reserve five-eighth Harry Plummer missed two late shots at goal.

Making his maiden Super Rugby appearance, Plummer skewed a handy conversion attempt and then a 45m penalty shot, both inside the final seven minutes of a fiercely fought Kiwi derby.

It was a gut-wrenching result for new Blues head coach Leon MacDonald, whose team look highly competitive and capable of breaking a seven-season run of failing to reach the finals.

The Crusaders, chasing a third-straight crown, did enough through the efficiency of their pack and the brilliant running of outside centre Braydon Ennor, who outshone Blues opposite Ma'a Nonu.

Former All Blacks great Nonu, 36, was making his first Super Rugby appearance since returning from three seasons at Toulon.

He played the last half-hour alongside former Test partner Sonny Bill Williams, who came off the bench.

Referee Nick Briant dished out penalty tries in the 26th minute, when a Crusaders lineout drive was collapsed, and the 63rd when the Blues' scrum folded on their own line.

Both Crusaders regulation tries went to Manasa Mataele, the second set up superbly by a break from fellow winger George Bridge.

Akira Ioane was the pick of the Blues' pack in his 50th game, completing a long-range try soon after halftime, when his team had trailed 12-3. Reserves Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Augustine Pulu kept the Blues close with tries in the second half.

Pulu's came after Crusaders forward Ben Funnell was shown a yellow card for persistent offending.

There was concern for the Crusaders when six-Test prop Tim Perry exited late in the contest after suffering what appeared to be a serious arm injury.