Rugby: Lam's Blues look to the future

Blues coach Pat Lam. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Defeated but not dispirited.

Blues head coach Pat Lam insists the team that were once the benchmark for Super rugby excellence are on the verge of revisiting their glory days despite a comprehensive semifinal loss to the Queensland Reds on Saturday night.

The Blues' hopes of a fourth crown - and first since 2003 - were thwarted by Australian rugby's success story, while Queenslanders can look forward to a historic grand final against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday.

Outscored four tries to one, the Blues were unable to counter the individual brilliance of first five-eighths Quade Cooper and a resilient defensive effort that laid the platform for the Reds' 30-13 victory.

Although the fourth-seeded qualifiers - and runners-up in the New Zealand conference - could not make history by being the first away side to win a semifinal since 2002, Lam was still upbeat as he looked to 2012.

Since he took control for the 2009 Super 14, the Blues have come ninth, seventh and now fourth.

Five players closed the Blues chapter of their professional careers on Saturday - Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Luke McAlister, Jared Payne and John Afoa and the fact that Afoa is the only forward heading overseas encouraged Lam.

"A lot of boys have recommitted, re-signed, especially in the forwards. And when you look at the forwards, we'll have Luke Braid, Peter Saili, Chris Lowrey, Charlie Faumuina. At the start of the season they weren't going to be regulars but through injury they ended up playing a lot of rugby."

Their development was the positive outcome of an injury toll that included the All Blacks' most-capped prop, Tony Woodcock, Brad Mika, Braid's sibling Daniel, Ali Williams and Anthony Boric.

The backline is certainly depleted though last week's acquisition of All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu compensates for McAlister's departure to Toulouse.

"I think we're way ahead with our signings compared to the other franchises," said Lam, who intimated that more announcements were imminent. "In the next couple of weeks all will be revealed where we're at."

First five-eighths is one area needing attention with Brett off to Japan.

From an offensive standpoint Lam lamented fullback Isaia Toeava's season-ending hip injury in early May.

Overall, he thought the campaign could still be considered a success.

"We've laid ourselves a good foundation ... Are we better than we were last year? The answer's yes, but we're certainly not satisfied."

- NZPA