Wynne Gray: Oliver and co in for long season

For someone who deserved to celebrate a milestone 100 matches in Super 12, Anton Oliver was very subdued.

His acceptance speech last night at Carisbrook was muted, his agile mind perhaps tuned in already to what looks like an arduous campaign for the Highlanders.

This was not a game when romance and a result collided; there was no glorious victory to coincide with Oliver's record appearance.

The hooker's pensive mood suggested a rocky campaign.

He must have envied the way the Blues were able to dominate the lineouts and kickoffs while the Highlanders were emasculated in those spheres.

They had no one to measure up against the Blues locks Ali Williams or Greg Rawlinson and they do not have any better alternatives for the future.

The frustration told as Paul Miller, Carl Hayman and Jimmy Cowan all had swings at Williams.

In the past few seasons, it has been Williams who has shown how he can be sidetracked during a match but last night the 23-year-old had the advantage.

He dominated the lineout from the time he snaffled Oliver's first throw and was able to attack and reclaim his share of kickoffs. While the Highlanders' lineout targets were weak, their defence from those setpieces was also poor.

Several times Keven Mealamu made valuable metres down the tramlines before he scored after one-time Otago halfback David Gibson snaked down the same channel.

The Highlanders looked as if they were operating a policy of damage limitation.

The Blues looked sharp. Sure there were mistakes but there was a buzz about their work, a vigour in their defensive line which hinted at an improved approach from last season's stutter.

Saimone Taumoepeau, Mealamu and John Afoa led a Blues scrum which was unruffled by a more experienced opposition, captain Xavier Rush came up with crucial steals early at the breakdown and support play late for a try.

Gibson was a menace for much of the game, Luke McAlister steadied at centre and kicked important goals.

The dividend for the Blues was that they did not have to rely on superstars such as Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina and Carlos Spencer to deliver the victory.