Pics tell a thousand words: Contrasting plights of the Warriors and the Blues

Same night, same city; note the contrast. It's the plight of Auckland's two footy franchises, the Blues and the Warriors.

For the Warriors, the future looks bright. For the Blues - increasingly dim.

Last night the Blues took on the Highlanders at Eden Park, with the Warriors hosting the Dragons 10 kilometres away to the south-east at Mount Smart Stadium.

One Auckland-based team walked back into the sheds after 80 minutes smiling and the other was left wondering what's next?

As we now know, the Blues lost to the Highlanders 16-34 and the Warriors were able to end the Dragons unbeaten streak, downing them 20-12.

The photographs from both games tell two very different stories, a contrast that is quite compelling for Auckland sport fans.

It has been a rough few years for the next generation of Blues fans. Photo / Getty Images

The crowd attendance between both games is one of the biggest difference between the two codes, rugby union and rugby league.

In the past few years Mount Smart has been looking very empty, but last night it was nearly impossible to find an empty seat.

Over 18,000 fans and members were recorded to have made the trip to Mount Smart and they weren't left disappointed.

Warriors fans are flooding back through the gates at Mt Smart. Photo / Getty Images

Meanwhile, the crowd attendance at Eden Park told a very different story, with around 12,000 fans heading along to the game.

The game looked over within the first 50 seconds of the game after Dillon Hunt crossed over for the visitors and another try coming shortly after.

Following a short fightback from the Blues it looked as though the tables might have turned, but the Highlanders were able to get back in front and it stayed that way until the full-time whistle.

The empty seats weren't hard to find at Eden Park, but the diehard fans are still there. Photo / Getty Images

Social media was alight last night as both the Blues and Warriors went to battle with their respective opponents.

Warriors fans couldn't get enough after they reigned supreme over the Dragons.

Issac Luke celebrates his try. Photo / Getty Images

It might be emotion here but I can't recall a better effort or better attitude being displayed by a @NZWarriors in the club's history. You got a contender to follow this year folks. #NRLWarriorsDragons

— Play the Ball (@playtheballnz) April 20, 2018

Long-time fan the Warriors Joker has seen some tough times over the years. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors players celebrate the try of Isaiah Papali'i. Photo / Getty Images

The same can't be said for Blues fans, most of whom have lost all belief in their Super Rugby franchise.

Tumua Manu scores a try with a nearly empty stand behind him. Photo / Getty Images

I thought Rugby was the popular sport in NZ, why’s the stadium virtually empty? #BLUvHIG @SuperRugby

— Paul Niran (@paulniran) April 20, 2018

Blues players regather themselves after conceeding a try. Photo / Getty Images

Poor performance, soulless stadium with many empty seats. How frustrating it is to be a @BluesRugbyTeam fan #BLUvHIG

— der Säufer (@pilsnerian) April 20, 2018

The Highlanders celebrate a try during their matchup against the Blues. Photo / Getty Images