Nucifora happy with progress

David Nucifora

Improving in baby steps is not frustrating Blues coach David Nucifora, who last night emphasised the importance of his side winning with blood and guts rather than razzle-dazzle.

The former Brumbies supremo knows what it takes to win a championship and remains confident that the Blues can still figure in the mix as the competition tapers towards the sharp end.

He's not kidding himself about where the Blues sit in the big picture. He accepts they are still a bit off the pace being set by the Crusaders, but with the scrum and lineout finally performing in tandem and the confidence on the rise following the late snatching of a vital bonus point, Nucifora feels the gap is closing.

"We are not kidding ourselves," he said. "We know we are not playing super footie just yet, but we are improving in areas where we were previously a bit weak. I am very pleased that we won tonight by grinding it out. I think that is the type of game we probably would have lost.

"I thought our defence at times was outstanding. There were a couple of 10-minute blocks in each half where we gave away too many penalties and let them back into the game."

Helping ease Nucifora's nerves is the fixture list that will see the leading four teams play each other in the weeks to come.

The big hope for the Blues is that two of the four will continue winning, leaving two teams treading water long enough for the Blues to catch up.

"I'm not worried," he said when asked if he feared the top four were getting out of sight. "Realistically we need to have two of the top four teams keep winning.

"The important thing in this competition is to make the finals and once you get there anything can happen."

The Blues have an ideal opportunity to build their confidence against the Force next week. They have to get the bonus point, too, to ensure it really is Good Friday.