Lions 13
Blues 10
A match they should have won, needed to desperately to win for themselves and coach John Kirwan, was spilled, fumbled, thrown away. It must be considered as one of the most disappointing defeats in their history.
Where to start? Maybe with the fact they had everything to play for. For themselves firstly. For their first win of the season. For Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino next, two proud and great Blues men celebrating separate milestones, skipper Kaino who left the field with a cut head and returned, the blood seeping through the white bandage.
For the men who formed their guard of honour - former players like Michael Jones, Eroni Clarke and Joeli Vidiri. For Kirwan who will now come under serious pressure. Kieran Keane won't be the only name mentioned as a possible replacement over the coming weeks, that much is certain. For the fans too, supporters who were increasingly frustrated on a cool night at North Harbour which ended in the sour taste of defeat.
Who knows what Clarke, Jones and Vidiri - players who enjoyed so much success during their careers at the franchise - thought of it all.
One area in particular should worry the Blues and Kirwan - and that's an attack which just cannot catch alight no matter what sort of ball they receive, and Kirwan as the attack coach, as well as the head coach, must take responsibility. At the end of the first half the Lions, big lumps they were but that's about it, were on the rack in their own 22m area, but comfortably held the Blues out despite the number of phases heading into the double figures.
In the end, Ihaia West, a first-five who is seriously struggling to find his feet this season after a bright start last year, put in a grubber kick and the visitors were off the hook.
Straight after the break they again had the Lions in serious trouble on their own line, only to cough it up with another mistake.
Too often the Blues had an advantage in numbers with men such as Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia and the returning Frank Halai poised to capitalise, only for miss-passes to be sent out - a sure-fire way to cut down on your own space and time.
The most enthused the small crowd at QBE Stadium in Albany got during this stop-start festival of frustration was when Mealamu was replaced in the 46th minute. They applauded, but many of the same were later voicing their disapproval.
It was sad night for the Blues for so many reasons. With three away matches to come against the Hurricanes, Waratahs and Chiefs, it would surprise if they are anything other than none from seven in a few weeks.
- by Patrick McKendry
