Both forward packs just smashed each other - hard carries and some bruising defence. Halfway through the second half you could see the toll the defensive effort took on the Chiefs forwards They got really passive - just worn out really.

HTown was great fun. What an awesome day out - in the sun, charcoal lamb rotisserie at a mates, helped smash a keg of beer, and then down to the ground. FMG is one of the good rugby watching grounds in the country

So, that’s that. Second, behind a team that got up and played their best rugby in the final. After working through the usual cycle of Denial, Anger, Bargaining and then Depression, it’s time for Acceptance. Overall, this was a big season for the Blues, a big step forward.

Blues are consistently making good decisions in attack and defence. Not perfect by any means, but if you put 50 on one o fthe top Aussie sides and still have plenty to work on, that's a good result.

Warning - positive post below. I continue to be impressed with the organisation that the Blues are building. Everything has stepped up since a few years ago - Board, Coaching, Admin, facilities, relationships between stakeholders, talent identification and so on.

Really enjoyed the game, and congratulations Bokke. Earned that win big time; brough the physicality, but also played. I thought the pace would catch up with them, but they kept at it for 80. Anyone pointing to a single AB who cost us this game can get knotted

Well, damn that is great. A reasonably full Eden Park, no rain, a victory, happy days. Relaxing quietly at home now after a big afternoon out. Really stoked for the team, and particularly the coaches - turning around a dysfunctional organisation is a big deal.

Righto, a quick comment on SRA. Overall, I'd give us a pass mark, but only just. We didn't deliver results-wise, but we put some decent effort.

This game was a perfect example of a team that's down on confidence and looking lumbering and predictable. Last year we saw slick interpassing near sidelines, and good rugby IQ. This year we don't know who our best 9 is, and are not playing heads up rugby

The last 2 minutes against the Chiefs (and the terrible maul call by the refs), and that brain dead, insipid performance on Friday night defines our season. It's a hard road to the final from here.