The Western Force pushed the Blues all the way, however, last year's finalists were a step ahead as they took the 30-17 victory.
Even without several All Blacks, the class of Stephen Perofeta and Mark Telea amongst others was too much for Simon Cron's side as they search for their first win in NZ since their return to Super Rugby.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
So what did we learn?
1.Air Jacob
It’s March and we may already have the try of the year via Jacob Ratumaintavuki-Kneepkens.
The winger showed incredible athleticism to somehow catch the ball in the corner, stay in and plant the ball down despite the pressure from Chase Tiatia.
The kick was perfect from flyhalf/housemate Stephen Perofeta, who embraced the chance to start at flyhalf.
The young winger took his chance to start with open arms, showcasing the scary depth the Blues have.
2. Stinging connection
The Western Force’s Wasp collective continues to add significant value to their backline.
Sam Spink’s first 80-minute performance was full of classy touches, working tirelessly with 15 carries for 95 metres. He was also one of a plethora of Force defenders to record double-digit tackles and his partnership with Hamish Stewart will be key heading forward.
Meanwhile, Zach Kibirige has genuine pace and he had a real ability to make a tackler miss. The winger’s late try was a perfect example of this, cutting back inside and leaving defenders gasping to prevent the Blues from getting a bonus.
As for Simpson, his delivery remains quality, although he will be rueing the shanked kick for touch in the 15th minute.
3. Magic Mark
Mark Telea reaffirmed his status as one of the form wingers of the competition.
Telea bounced off tackles all day, finishing with nine tackle busts and a game-high 116 metres.
He finished well in the corner to put the game out of reach early in the second half, his fourth in four games.
There’s no doubt he will add to his two caps with the All Blacks this year if he continues this form
4. Toni the rolling maul menace
Toni Pulu used all his experience to terrorise the Blues at the kick-off, twice sneaking his way in-between Blues bodies to disrupt their maul and earn the turnover.
The 34-year-old showcased his class throughout the game, looking damaging with each carry.
The Force need to work out how to get him more involved in their attack because he looms as their key game-breaker alongside Kibirige and Spink
5. Santiago steps up
Santiago Medrano was everywhere for the Force, keeping them in the contest with a tireless performance
He came up with a couple of crucial turnovers to get the visitors out of trouble as the Blues attacked their line
The Argentinan International dominated at scrum time, delivering a lesson to young prop Josh Fusitua.
Angus Wagner was solid in place of Tom Robertson as every starting forward ended with a dozen or more tackles.
