Holding out the hard-finishing but unsuccessful Blues, the Crusaders showed effective defensive intent in the final stages as the home side blew two scoring chances when dropping the ball over the goal line. The game was a rematch of last year's Grand Final at the same venue.
"That's what we've got to be like. This is a repeat of the semifinal round one, a repeat of the final, round four. It's a hell of a start – that's our standard from now on."
Robertson said there were several reasons why the win was important.
"We wanted to own the position we were in. I think the effort, led by skip [Scott Barrett], was amazing. We're really proud and pleased."
The win turned around their loss to the Fijian Drua from the previous week.
"We felt we were a catch away last week, and it was only a couple of moments against the Chiefs in that game, so we weren't far away at all. We've had a few injuries, but the guys have come in and stood up."
Two of those performers, second five-eighths Dallas McLeod and first five-eighths/fullback utility Fergus Burke were two who made their mark against the Blues.
"Dallas McLeod was amazing tonight. Fergus Burke has been incredible at fullback.
"I think we've had five or six debutants already this year, and they've been awesome. But that's part of game. It's a collision sport, you get injuries, and the next person steps up."
Also coming in for comment was wing Leicester Fainga'anuku, who had a mixed season last year once claiming All Blacks status. He scored a hat-trick of tries, the third crucial to the outcome.
"He's a power athlete. He can create. He can keep his feet. He gives you those extra metres post-contact. He's a try scorer – one of those when you're watching those kids score five or six in a game, and everyone else is sort of fumbling around behind them, and he brings it to this level. We're pleased for him.
"He's carrying a little bit of a rib injury, and he just played through that pain incredibly well."
First five-eighths Richie Mo'unga's defensive efforts were also noteworthy.
"He's putting his head in some pretty incredible places. Technically he wasn't sound, but he stopped them. It shows how brave he is," Robertson said.