A much-needed Super Rugby rivalry could be in the works between the Blues and Moana Pasifia, after an incredible match at Eden Park.
The Blues narrowly avoided being on the wrong side of the biggest upset of the year, needing a last-second penalty try to deny their winless opponents.
Moana Pasifika have been the competition whipping boys this season, having failed to register a victory inside the first 10 rounds.
But Saturday's performance suggests a Super Rugby grudge match could be forming between the crosstown neighbours.
The clash pitted friends and flatmates against each other, creating an increased intensity in a competition dying for spectacles outside Kiwi derbies.
New Zealand teams make up four of the top five sides, with Australian teams, as well as Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika dominating the bottom half of the table.
Blues captain Dalton Papali'i had conflicting feelings about the win, with more than just bragging rights on the line.
"A bit of mixed emotions," he told Sky Sport. "We knew that Moana were going to come here and bring it to us, and there's a rivalry building here.
"They're a quality side, and it goes to show, they came here and nearly took the win [but didn't] get the rub of the green. Mixed emotions about that performance.
"We didn't execute in the areas we needed to, but you can't fault the effort from the boys.
"It was an 80-minute-plus game and we knew we had to dig in. It's a good thing we have a lot to work on, we can only get better from now. We are still heading in the right direction.
"The rivalry is building there, and I know a lot of good boys in that team, they're good mates and I've played a lot of footy with them.
"To come up against them, we know it's a pretty special moment, but you know it's going to be a grudge match when you're out there."
The Blues were dealt an early blow before kickoff, losing star fullback Beauden Barrett to an injury.
But coach Leon MacDonald is adamant that's no excuse for the showing, with the incumbents doing little to help their cause.
"He was to counteract the change in halves at fullback and give us that direction," he told Sky Sport. "Losing him was a big loss.
"But we need to back our squad and we have to have guys stepping up in the business end of the season as well. Maybe a missed opportunity for a few guys."
