Matt Duffie of the Blues in action. Photo / Getty
Late in the first half of this match, after about the millionth mistake by the Blues and before Matt Duffie's two superbly taken tries, thoughts inevitably turned to the team's nightmare at the hands of another South Africa outfit, the Lions, almost exactly two years ago.
In that game, a
significant one for team legend Keven Mealamu, who was celebrating his 163rd Super Rugby fixture, a record, the Blues were in control but somehow lost it 13-10 after putting in one of the most disappointing performances during Sir John Kirwan's tenure.
Those looking at the final score against the Bulls probably can't imagine it, but things were heading that way tonight. The error rate from Tana Umaga's men was off the charts, and with the score locked at 7-7 at halftime there were a few nervous faces in the crowd, and, possibly, in the home team's coaches' box.
A defeat here would have been unacceptable and quite disastrous for the rest of the season. On three successive defeats, another would have hurt the team badly in terms of their collective mental state, never mind the points table.
After the quality of Augustine Pulu's try after three minutes - the lead up to which fullback Michael Collins handled the ball twice - there was mostly dross from the Blues for the rest of the half.
