For the Blues, their performance against the Crusaders was a stark contrast to the week before and their win over the Highlanders.
In Christchurch, their error rate was abysmal. There was also indecisiveness and poor decision-making. That wasn't the case the week before. Should they be concerned? It's a long season but the teams that make the playoffs are consistent in terms of their performances; they don't fluctuate much. Regardless of how you break down the Blues' performance - victims of rotation, poor attitude, a good opposition - the concern is that drop-off in performance. They cannot afford to do that week-to-week or they will fail to make the playoffs.
For me it was a good "intent" display from the Crusaders. They showed attitude and confidence in turning down kickable points to go for scrums, where they were extremely dominant. They're not there yet and they probably know that. I don't think they've quite worked out their game plan but they are probably playing within themselves. Their attacking dynamic will change when Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg and Robbie Fruean return.
For now they are playing a forward-oriented game; plus trying to get ball to Nemani Nadolo as much as possible. But there are encouraging signs.
This weekend showed how close this competition could be. The Lions beating the Chiefs in Hamilton was an upset, and they have always been difficult to beat at Ellis Park, never mind how they're playing now. The Currie Cup champions will be a real threat this season because they rolled a good Chiefs outfit.