The final table didn't reflect that the Blues were probably 10 minutes of concentration away from being possible Super Rugby Aotearoa champions.
There's no doubt, if they had been more alert and more urgent in the final quarter of their clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch, they would have won that game and it would have been the Blues and not the Hurricanes who brought the champions' incredible home record to an end.
Forgotten now in the weeks that have elapsed since the Crusaders won their fourth consecutive title, is that the Blues were leading that much-anticipated game 15-9 with 26 minutes to go.
It was more than that, though as the Blues were in control of possession and of territory. They were playing better. They were confident and they were dominating.
But after Rieko Ioane barged over to push them out in front, their lead evaporated all too quickly.
They made the age-old mistake of switching off after scoring and Richie Mo'unga was able to collect his own short kick off and spark a period of pressure that led to Mitch Drummond putting the Crusaders ahead. A position from which they never looked back.
That game in Christchurch was illustrative of the wider picture at the Blues in 2020: they have come so far yet are still not quite where they need to be.
They have improved out of sight in many facets, but still don't quite have the collective poise, experience and belief to finish what they start against the very best.
Still, what's beyond dispute is that they are a vastly different team to the one they have been in the last 17 years.
この記事は NZ Rugby World の Issue 207, October - November 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は NZ Rugby World の Issue 207, October - November 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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