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Patrick Tuipulotu is one of the longest serving members of the Blues. The last time the franchise made a Super Rugby final, though, rugby wasn't on the then 10-year-old's agenda.
"I don't think I was watching any rugby back then," the Blues captain recalled. "I was probably at primary schooleating my lunch or riding my bike with the neighbours."
Eighteen years since their last Super Rugby success, the Blues stand on the cusp of reaching and potentially hosting the transtasman final.
Defeat the spirited but limited Western Force at Eden Park on Saturday and that should be enough to book their spot in the finale. Win with a bonus point, and the Blues will host the tournament decider the following week. Tuipulotu made it clear that's their objective.
"We're happy to be in the top spot but I know if we win with a bonus point we secure a home final so that's the plan we're going in with," he said. "We know it won't just happen but we're looking forward to the challenge.
"We can't underestimate the Western Force – it would be pretty easy to based off history. They're a new side and most of Australia didn't back them but we need to give them the same respect we give the Crusaders or anyone."
The Blues are keen to secure a home final. Photo / Photosport
It's worth delving into history to appreciate how long the Blues have gone without silverware. Their last title came in 2003 - in the Super 12 format – when a team featuring Carlos Spencer, player of the year Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Ali Williams, Keven Mealamu and Kees Meeuws defeated a Crusaders side containing now Blues coach Leon MacDonald at fullback.
Tuipulotu debuted for the Blues, and All Blacks, in the same 2014 season. He's since played 86 Super Rugby games and assumed the Blues sole captaincy last year.
It speaks volumes of the Blues' struggles that in all that time, the powerhouse All Blacks lock is yet to sip from silverware or even compete in a finals series. Any wonder he and the Blues are desperate to seize this opportunity to make amends for their underwhelming Aotearoa campaign, and the failures prior.
"During my time here we've always been down at the bottom so it's a good feeling to be where we are. The opportunity to get a final, especially at home, it will be good for us in terms of setting us up for what's next to come.
"I've certainly learnt a lot of lessons through my time here, especially the last two years when it comes to trying to performing under pressure in those high stakes semi-final moments. We all want that trophy, we want to win, I know we're pretty hungry for it."
Asked to elaborate on those lessons he has absorbed as skipper, Tuipulotu said: "High performance sport isn't fair so you can't have moaners in this environment. That's something I've learnt. You've got to get on with things. The only way to improve is to keep trying to seek the heat and ask questions of yourself. I find if I do that, people around me will do that as well.
Dalton Papalii, Patrick Tuipulotu and Andre Adams during a Blues training session. Photo / Photosport
"A lot of these guys were probably just leaving school when I started and now they're here. It feels like I'm teaching them and, in turn, I'm learning too."
After a frustrating two-month layoff with a debilitating neck injury, Tuipulotu displayed the benefits of that break in his starting return against the Reds in Brisbane last week with a monstruous performance.
The Blues were, however, disappointed not to secure the bonus point and let the Reds close within a converted try after leading 24-7 midway through the second half.
To prove their progress, and deliver a region starved off success the chance to claim a title, Tuipulotu knows further improvement is required.
"Auckland is a big place we represent such a large region; Auckland, North Harbour, Northland. With Auckland winning the provincial title a few years ago that spurred a few things on. The guys here want to be in a good environment.
"A lot of us are strong believers that good culture delivers trophies and good memories so that's part of what we want to do. We want this team to live on forever, but we know it can't so we've got to take this opportunity now."
