Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu says the Blues need to heed the lessons from their wet-weather defeat last weekend as they try to maintain a spot in Super Rugby’s top six.
The Blues face Australian conference leaders the Brumbies in Auckland on Saturday night, eager to bounce back from a 23-3 loss at the hands of a clinical Crusaders outfit.
Mealamu says it was probably the first time many of his younger teammates had been involved in a contest of such intensity.
“It was just one of those games where we needed to take control,” he said.
“Sometimes it’s just the way it goes. You need to be able not to react to things, but get stuck in.”
Mealamu also feels they could have played more to the conditions, which are likely to be repeated against the Brumbies, with rain forecast for match day.
“It’s being able to be smart in those conditions and, from our kicking game, making sure we get outcomes that are positive,” Mealamu said.
“When you get further into this competition and as the weather changes, you want to be able to adapt and still be able to keep the style you want to play.”
The 102-Test All Black is sure the Brumbies won’t lack for motivation after having dropped their past two matches to slip from top spot on the overall ladder to third.
Mealamu, 33, has had a stop-start season so far, after coming back from an extended summer break.
He was eased in with three appearances off the bench before making the starting 15 against the Stormers three weeks ago, but came off early in that match with a tight calf.
He returned to action as a substitute against the Crusaders and is back in the No.2 jersey this week.
Against the Brumbies, he will lock horns again with long-time adversary Stephen Moore, a contest he is looking forward to.
“I just have to make sure I prepare well and put out a great performance,” he said.
“I know from him it will be nothing less.”