The Western Force were brave but ultimately outgunned 24-15 by the Blues in Saturday’s Super Rugby clash in Auckland.
The Force dominated play for much of the opening half and trailed by just four points with 15 minutes remaining in the match.
But runaway tries to Rieko Ioane and Michael Collins sealed the win for the Blues, who improved their season record to 3-3.
Force players entered the match with a lot on their minds following intense speculation the franchise will be axed if the Super Rugby competition reverts to a 15-team format.
The ongoing uncertainty has the potential to be a major distraction for the Force.
But the players put that to one side to make a strong start, dominating possession and field position to catch the Blues on the hop.
A 20th-minute try to lock Richard Arnold gave the Force an 8-0 lead but momentum changed dramatically when No.8 Isi Naisarani was sin binned after being penalised twice within the space of a minute for offside.
The Blues scored two tries while Naisarani was off to head to half-time up 12-8.
Force scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens lasted 10 minutes before limping off with a right knee injury but his replacement Michael Ruru was lively.
They had their chances in the second half but lacked the polish whenever a try was within sight.
In contrast, the Blues scored two brilliant tries from play that started inside their own 22 but were denied the bonus point by a late try to Dane Haylett-Petty.
piru
Roar Rookie
Yeah it's a bitter pill alright. Two weeks in a row now we've had comments from Kiwi fans talking about how their teams didn't play their best game against the Force. At what point do we accept that teams play as well as they are allowed to and acknowledge the defensive pressure being applied?
AndyS
Guest
Naisarani's card was certainly a key moment, but deserved. Imagine it must be hard for them not to feel a little jaded though, when the exact same thing last week denied them a try without sanction...
cuw
Guest
ditto that - it seems only Hurricanes and Crusaders are consistent in the way they play week in - week out. i was hoping for a cricket score from Blues after their show against Bulls last week - but was not to be ; so i went to cleaning the home :)
Danny
Roar Pro
Am I alone in completely pulling hair out over Pulu? Yes he does some brilliant things. But the time he takes to pass is causing Blues huge problems. Contrast with TKB, TJ and Smith who all whip the ball out fast. Smith is effectively keeping his backs in the comp - if they were behind Pulu they'd be getting monstered. No way I'd have Pulu 3rd ranked AB if TKB is ineligible for the Lions.
Highlander
Guest
We have turns
taylorman
Guest
After that round....easily the worst...?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
ARU set to cut one of the best sides in the Aussie conference. Sad times. I can't help shake the feeling though that the Blues, not the Highlanders, are easily the worst Kiwi side.
Old Bugger
Guest
I was thinking of you too mate.....
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Ha ha ha. Yeah I thought that it was a pretty good game also.
taylorman
Guest
Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh..............
Old Bugger
Guest
It was there for the taking.....but, not this time aye mate. However, there will be a few Kiwis breathing a sigh, of relief.
Piru
Guest
Regardless of the score, this was a good game to watch.
taylorman
Guest
Gosh, sounds like a description for the Blues for the last ten seasons.
The Desert Nut
Roar Rookie
The Force are an improved side from what they were last year. They have showed a lot of fight in their games but have been unable to achieve the results that they need. Winning games is the next step. They need to improve their finishing and execution as they often put themselves in good positions only to come away with no points on the board.