By WYNNE GRAY
As Gordon Hunter leant against the wall of the lift in Brisbane and considered the Blues' failure to reach the Super 12 semifinals, he let out an exasperated "bugger."
It was just that sort of season for the Blues: promise, potential but a final, deathly consistency. Better than the rancorous 99 season but still not a profitable year from a side built round the NPC champions.
"We had the right people, all the chances were there and I cannot make any excuses," Hunter said.
However, Hunter knew he had worries early. After a superb start, beating the Brumbies away even with three players yellow-carded, the Blues sank at home in game two against the Chiefs. They began that match with some sublime rugby and finished a lame second to their former franchise partners.
That erratic pattern was repeated in the last must-win match against the Reds. In between you were never sure which Blues team would appear: sometimes they were steady, at other stages brilliant but then fragile and skittery.
The Blues' fall short of the semis has the franchise facing a budget deficit nearing six figures. An unattractive home draw, lack of night games, the opposing pull of the America's Cup and a cut in corporate support meant a drop in crowd numbers and revenue.
"The key to turning this around is having a vision for the Blues and the team needs to be able to play consistent, exciting rugby," chief executive Geoff Hipkins said. "I am sure the skills are there."
Internal reviews of the franchise have begun, and the New Zealand Rugby Football Union will begin its surveys in a few weeks. At this stage Hipkins agreed the season would rate about 6.5 out of 10.
Coach Hunter has another year to go on his contract and while he has battled with some health issues, that has not affected his coaching. He also feels there is enough room to have Frank Oliver as assistant and Grant Fox as technical adviser.
"It is all a challenge, I thrive on it, I will be knuckling down again soon and will never give up," Hunter said of his Blues' future.
When he announced his squad last year there had to be questions about some selections.
Hunter was hurt by his inability to pick both Glenn Osborne and Caleb Ralph, who might have made a serious difference to some of the backline wobbles.
It seemed strange that Glenn Taylor was bypassed and Ron Cribb and Slade McFarland were not required, though Auckland's overriding influence in the franchise could explain some decisions.
But there were curious choices, such as lock Jason Chandler and tighthead prop David Morgan.
However, there appeared to be a great harmony within the squad even when results were swinging too wildly for everyone's comfort.
Carlos Spencer's lengthy recuperation left Orene Ai'i a bit exposed and without great help round him, and Adrian Cashmore's injury left a goalkicking weakness.
Craig Dowd was an exception. While he has done as many rugby miles as anyone in the squad, he brought a most professional ethic to his work, while Craig Innes was utterly dependable in midfield.
Next season will need a new skipper as Robin Brooke is likely to be gone. Others will need a very strong NPC to convince the coaching staff they are ready to front for 2001.
Missing the semifinals for a third straight season cannot be an option.
Rugby: Hunter's epithet sums it all up
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