With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Blues remain in the box seat for first place on the ladder after beating the Highlanders 47-13 in Auckland on Saturday.
After beating the Hurricanes last time out, the Blues were looking to take another step towards top spot in Super Rugby Pacific against another of their New Zealand rivals.
The Blues were forced to make some last-minute changes with Marcel Renata, Bryce Heem and Steven Perofeta ruled out of Round 13 shortly before kick-off at Eden Park.
But as the Blues have shown time and time again this season, they have the depth to match the best in the competition. The 23 men selected remained focused as they entered the field.
Harry Plummer, the first five man, started the game in what seemed like a great atmosphere at the famous New Zealand Stadium, and it was the Blues who had the first chance to score.
The Highlanders' Fabian Holland couldn't swing the kickoff, instead it was Caleb Clarke who helped the Blues advance into their opponent's 22 with a confident look from them.
While shooting the ball, Auckland was awarded a free kick in the huddle. This led to a popular editorial from All Blacks and Blues prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi who went into hiding.
Akira Ioane peeled away the crowd and got close, but two stages later, it was Tu'ungafasi who crashed in the early attempt. Shooter Plummer made the conversion.
But the Highlanders, to their credit, responded promptly. After working their way forward with the ball and setting up a formation close to the Blues' try line, the Landers played a game of set-pieces.
the summary of the match 
Flanker Shaun Whiley ran straight from the strike before beating winger Timosi Taftafanawe with an inside pass. Taftafanawi ended up scoring the Highlanders' first goal in the first ten minutes.
7-All. It was an amazing start.
Blues fullback Cole Forbes was next to score in the 13th minutey minute. Midfielder Corey Evans fired a powerful kick into the goal, and with the ball set perfectly, Forbes ran away untouched.
In another stunning turnaround, the Blues returned to the lead with a score of 14-7.
You'd be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu after what happened next.
While the Highlanders did not cross for a try, they pulled one back soon after with Cam Millar converting from the penalty spot. Miller stepped up and added another shortly after as well.
With only one point difference, the two teams entered into a tense battle. They exchanged penalty kicks in midfield, but the Blues took advantage of the opportunity with greater execution.
After the kick to the corner following another penalty, the Blues' rolling strike proved unstoppable. They pushed forward with determination and determination and looked like they were going to score.
Hooker Kurt Eklund reaped the rewards with a collision in the 31ststreet minute. The successful conversion from Plummer ended up being the final points of the half as well.
The Blues narrowly took a 21-13 lead into the bullpen.
It looks to be one of those matches where the first points of the second half will be decisive. To the delight of the home fans, it was the Blues who struck the first blow.
After spreading the ball out to the right wing, Cadey Banks crossed into the corner to score his first try in Super Rugby Pacific. They had an impressive lead and the confidence needed for their match.
But that wasn't all.
In a similar moment in the first half, Kurt Eklund was next to score after jumping over the ball from another snap to push the Blues' lead into a “dominant position” as commentator Tony Johnson put it.
In another harsh blow for the visitors, Cam Millar was ruled out for the rest of the match shortly after. But the Highlanders didn't quite give up against one of their New Zealand opponents.
If anything the Highlanders looked to be the more threatening of the two teams for a while as they set up camp inside the Blues 22. Even without Millar, they still look very good.
But no point went the Highlanders' way. Instead, it was the Blues who extended their lead once again with Taofa Funaki scoring at the other end midway through the first half.
Interception by Caleb Clark in the 69th minutey The final minute was another try-scoring moment as Auckland cruised to a comfortable win that wasn't even close in the end.
