KEY POINTS:
Verdict: The Blues have performed above expectations - scrum adequate, lineout superb, broken play excellent, obvious intensity all over the paddock, backs individually outstanding but are yet to really hit their straps as a group. Leadership has been strong and they have taken advantage of a kind draw to be perfectly poised.
Biggest surprise: Demise of the Waratahs is more alarming than the resurgence @ the Garden of Eden.
Hero: Greg Rawlinson's significant incline nudges out Witcombe, Flavell, McAlister and Toeava.
Zero: David Gibson - missed tackles cost the win against the 'Canes, not to mention another series of kicks out on the full.
Freeze frame: The composure shown at Bruce Stadium to eek out the win in injury time versus the Brumbies.
My time: Pretty apparent that Uncle Troy will play a fair bit at No 6 over the next few weeks (Ali is back), but he could play at fullback the way he's been going, especially since No 15 remains a lottery.
In the national interest: Business as usual in the ABs - nothing has emerged to scare us. A crazed Springbok XV could tackle their way to Paris and try to deny us the football in the final. It won't work and the Aussies are toast.
Top-four or trapdoor: The Blues need to rebuild momentum - the Hamilton jaunt next week is noteworthy, but the Mealamu/Woodcock factor will kick in.
Champions: All playoff action will be at Mecca, with the Blues hosting either the Crusaders or the Chiefs, before celebrating another win.
