The Blues were superb against the Bulls in Week 8 of the 1020 Super 14 rugby competition beating the champions 32-17.

After indifferent results, the Aucklanders got it together for an 80 minute performance.

Charlie Faumuina came into the front row for the injured John Afoa and had a blinder. Vili Ma’afu continued his great form, getting involved in everything.

Rene Ranger made gaps in the midfield and Rokocoko started to show the sort of form that will get him back into an All Black jersey.

And All Black Jerome Kaino was devastating on defense.

Jerome Kaino, Blues and All Blacks

All Black and inspirational loose forward, Jerome Kaino

I watched Kaino agaisnt Australia in the 2009 Beldisloe Cup test at Eden Park. I felt it was his best All Black performance and that on that kind of form he would realise his potential and be a leader going into the World Cup in 2011.

This guy can set the tempo of a match.

BUT

1. The Bulls were a but flat coming off the 8 hour flight from Perth.

AND

2. The Blues returned to their frustrating ways 7 days later, losing at home to the Stormers 33-21.

Rene Ranger continued to make breaks but unfortunately, he fumbled the ball as many times as he created opportunities.

The defense was poor, allowing the Stormers attack …

Then there was a lineout throw.

The Blues had the throw and a player was lifted at the back of the lineout.

A Stormers player managed to steal the throw – without being lifted! and run off to score a telling try.

Brett missed a penalty out in front – similar to Steven Donald on Friday night and Dan Carter on Saturday night.

What is happening to the Kiwi teams?

- They aren’t playing with any consistency

- Lineouts continue to dog all teams

- Scrummaging is a concern

- Only the Crusaders look like they have a chance of making the semi-finals

- None look like they have what it takes to beat the Bulls at Loftus – which is what any team who wants to win the Super 14 will need to do