View photosKEY POINTS:
The corners of Blues' coach David Nucifora's mouth gave it away.
Asked if the four points from last night's 26-8 win over the Cheetahs were enough to confirm the Blues in the playoffs, Nucifora couldn't resist a small smile.
"We're close," he said. And left it at that.
But he must feel that part of the job is just about done.
It will take a seismic shift in form to prevent them from making the semifinals next month.
If there was one annoying aspect it was the failure to nail a bonus point with a fourth try, and Nucifora, while praising the Cheetahs' defensive resilience, questioned their methods.
"We felt we were good enough to get it.
"They certainly defended very strongly and were probably the best organised defence we've come up against.
"The breakdown was frustrating for us.
"The Cheetahs went out to not lose by a lot, but we have to contend with that. We were still good enough to create several tries."
The continuing fine form of centre Isaia Toeava delighted Nucifora and he saw that as symptomatic of the Blues' collective success this season.
"He's a handful for any defence," Nucifora said.
"This Cheetahs defence wasn't good enough to shut 'Ice' down at certain times.
"The most pleasing thing for 'Ice' and the team is the consistency we're getting.
"This year the lesser performances are all round 7-8 out of 10, and that's because individuals are playing to that level."
Nucifora liked the desire and resolve the Blues showed after a six-day turnaround from a rugged contest against the Chiefs.
Doug Howlett, who marked his 100th Super rugby appearance with his 59th try, called it a "pretty special" night.
"It's a moment in time, but next for me is next week, but I'll enjoy it while I can."
After the Sharks next weekend, the Blues have a testing three-game road trip.
"Tonight was a good way to ease into it," captain Troy Flavell said.
Cheetahs coach, former Springbok flanker Rassie Erasmus was left to bemoan an injury-hit buildup.
But he had no complaints.
"We were well beaten," he said.
