The Crusaders, led by All Black No 8 Kieran Read, who was making his first start of the pre-season series, battled back from a seven-point halftime deficit to beat the Rebels, who look to have improved from last season, when they finished last.
A week earlier the Blues had to dig deep to overpower them when Lam's men found themselves 15 points down after only six minutes, but on Saturday it was Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg who began the scoring when dotting down for the first of his two tries.
The Rebels responded with two converted tries, with new signing James O'Connor setting up the first to loose forward Gareth Delve and then scoring the other.
Good work from first-five Tyler Bleyendaal set up Dagg's second try after the break, with centre Adam Whitelock scoring the decisive try.
The Crusaders' scrum, led by the Franks brothers Ben and Owen, constantly pressured the Rebels and this is one area they will be looking to get the better of the Blues in the season opener at Eden Park this Friday night.
Although Read was impressive in his hitout against the Rebels, his counterpart Jerome Kaino looked a little worse for wear after the Highlanders match.
An errant thumb to his left eye has forced Kaino to wear a patch until early this week but he is likely to be available to play the Crusaders.
Utility back Lachie Munro sprained an ankle but is also likely be available, according to a Blues spokesman.
Blackadder said all teams had this weekend's round one fixture in their minds which probably accounted for the scrappy final pre-season games.
"When you get closer to that first game no one wants to get injured. Everyone is already looking forward and has one foot in round one."
Blackadder said former New Zealand Colts captain Bleyendaal would start at first-five in the absence of the injured Dan Carter. "He's really stepped up. He's probably been our best player."
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