With one game to go, the Blues have ensured we will have the home-field advantage for the playoffs over Queen’s Birthday weekend, due to Saturday night’s efforts. A record-equalling 12th straight Super Rugby win for the Blues 20-18.

It was a “massively gutsy performance” according to coach Leon MacDonald who felt the home side raised the bar in intensity particularly at the breakdown and in defence to hold the Blues at bay.

“They hung in and hung in and that strike late in the game almost gave them the win. It was a real arm-wrestle and so pleased to get the win. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

In what has become the hallmark of the 2022 Blues, the messaging from the team leaders under Dalton Papalii was calm and clear – get possession, and go about the work. It took a heroic turnover from Captain Fantastic to gain possession, and a drop goal from Beauden in the 82nd minute.

With a number of stoppages, the Blues could not benefit playing under advantage with the home side reduced to 13 at one stage, until the host’s renowned rolling maul gave them that late advantage against an overwhelming run of play.

Leon said the Blues worked extremely hard on its discipline in training.

“We wanted to paint good pictures for the referee to take the decision-making out of it. The penalty count was huge and our discipline was fantastic which proved the difference.”

There were many, many heroes – the powerful pack, just the third-ever try for Karl Tu’inukuafe who came off the bench, and a massive display from for the loosies – with Dalton, a mana-of-the-match effort from Hoskins Sotutu and incredible workrate from 20-year-old Anton Segner.

There were some casualties, particularly Caleb Clarke, who was in menacing form early on until he suffered a hamstring injury. Unfortunately Tanielu Tele’a suffered a season ending ACL injury.

The boys had little chance to savour the win – on a bus post-game to drive to Sydney, a few hours sleep and then catch the flight back to Auckland to prepare for what they hope will be lucky No 13 in their final regular-season match.

Keep an eye out next week on Quarter Final details and get behind our boys.