They were knocked about in a match that hung on Nic White's long-range penalty in the final seconds, with Kirwan yesterday saying he had a long list of injuries of which he would know more today and tomorrow.
Inspirational leader Jerome Kaino, already a bit banged up after a collision with Keven Mealamu, hurt his neck racing back to make a cover tackle on wing James Dargaville and may be one who needs a bit of care this week.
Kirwan, emotionally exhausted after watching the final minutes of his team's victory out of his seat, was under no illusions about how difficult the Highlanders' challenge will be.
"I've hugged every member of the side because I think they've been so strong," Kirwan said after watching replacement No10 Ihaia West kick what turned out to be the match-winning penalty from the sideline.
"I felt like crying. I was completely spent after that. But it's one win.
"We've got to now get up and put the energy and positivity that we've had for the last eight weeks under pressure and turn that into an 80-minute performance. I'm incredibly proud of the way the guys have hung tight. We've beaten one of the best sides in the competition and we just need to go back to work because we've got the Highlanders who are playing incredibly well."
The Blues were good for their 13-0 first-half lead - all the points scored by impressive first-five Dan Bowden - but they returned to their bad old ways of losing the ball under pressure as the Brumbies clawed their way back helped by the tireless flanker David Pocock.
"The win will really give us some confidence to maybe take the shackles off and be positive instead of worrying. I think that's been responsible for a lot of our errors."
The attacking variations and experience of Bowden had a big part to play, as did another massive effort from Kaino, who appeared determined to do whatever it took to get his team over the line.
"I think the man's a legend already," Kirwan said. "He's taken on the leadership and he's willing to learn and grow. He's making great decisions on the field now but what he's doing is leading by example."
West, the little first-five who didn't hesitate to point to the posts for a crucial penalty in the final minutes, deserves credit too.
West said: "I've been trying to get my mental game right when it comes to pressure kicks like that and not worrying about the end result - just worrying about my technique - and luckily it paid off."
Things to relish
1. Blues prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi put in a game-equalling 17 tackles against the Brumbies, the same number as David Pocock.
2. Fullback Charles Piutau carried the ball 117m - easily the best in the match.
3. Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo ran for 152m against the Crusaders.
4. The Blues made 10 offloads to the Brumbies' one.
