Rugby: Blues show a winning style

John Afoa of the Blues makes a break in the Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Waratahs at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

It was a very good first half, well executed gameplan based on intensity, possession and territory in their half. Pat Lam, Blues coach Primary target: victory. Secondary aim: some substance and style.

The Blues achieved a pass mark and a half as they outlasted the Waratahs 31-17 and entered the dizzying record of an undefeated team sheet in six matches.

This is rarified territory for Blues masochists who have watched their side in the last few seasons. Unbeaten for six straight matches - amazing.

Anyone suggesting that would have been measured up for restraints and a white coat. Certainly on the evidence of their exasperating win-loss routines.

But these are different times for the Blues, certainly a different sequence of results as they brought their new style of 80-20 rugby to Eden Park on Saturday.

That was the ratio of substance and effectiveness as they danced a first half jig around the lead-foot Tahs and then lurched through quicksand after the interval.

"It was a very good first half, well executed gameplan based on intensity, possession and territory in their half and we could not fault that effort," coach Pat Lam said.

They implemented ideas they had been working on during their bye week.

"The one disappointing thing we talked about at halftime was we eased off and they came straight back and scored a try which was pretty soft.

"It was chalk and cheese, really. We came away from the plan, our execution. We had setpiece errors, could not get territory, could not hold on to possession so we spent a lot of time defending.

"All in all it is five points and we avoided them getting any points because they are right behind us."

The Blues have a short recovery before meeting the Rebels on Good Friday at North Harbour Stadium.

But if they rediscover the muscle memory of their opening stanza at Eden Park, they will fare well.

That was "bang on" for Lam, a royal reproduction of the team strategy.

The forwards slipped into their work, edging the Waratahs for speed and execution so backs had room to divvy up the torture moves.

Props John Afoa and Tevita Mailau began the tryfest with their ball-handling skills as the Blues claimed a bonus point by the 26th minute.

It was thrilling stuff, blighted only by Kurtis Haiu's concussed exit after a collision.

Meanwhile, Alby Mathewson darted around the fringes, Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister goaded the defence with an array of kicks while Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger and fullback Isaia Toeava brought their range of attack.

As patrons scuttled off for halftime supplies for what they hoped would be more sumptuous viewing, the Blues action evaporated.

The Tahs got into the match, claimed some ball and applied their style and tempo. Defence replaced attack for the Blues as they felt some of the heat they had applied.

Three times the Tahs hit the tryline, three times they were denied. Referee Mark Lawrence could not see the ball in the middle of a rolling maul, Toeava stripped Daniel Halangahu across the line before Lachie Turner lost the ball in Toeava's tackle.

Just one success would have changed the game but it was not until later that the impressively dangerous dancing feet of Drew Mitchell got him to the line and then Ryan Cross.

Those successes created some heat but the Blues' volcanic start had given them such a buffer they were not going to be run down.

Six in a row. The wayward Rebels to follow, could it be seven?

LOCK HAIU JOINS THE LIST OF THE INJURED

Kurtis Haiu became the latest lock to suffer when he was knocked out against the Waratahs, putting his selection in jeopardy for Friday's next home game against the Rebels.

Former All Black Ali Williams has been recovering from a hamstring injury and if he completes a full training this week, coach Pat Lamsaid he would be considered for a start.

Outstanding looseforward Jerome Kaino has a medial knee ligament problem and other niggles which have bothered him for a while.

Halfback Alby Mathewson and midfield back Luke McAlister were both dazed and replaced on Saturday against the Waratahs.

Loosehead prop Tony Woodcock is recuperating from a calf strain and Daniel Braid is also recuperating from a disc problem in his neck.

Another prop, Charlie Faumuina, has a longterm hamstring problem while Liaki Moli and Brad Mika are season casualties.