Blues coach Vern Cotter said the side started showing more of its capabilities by taking more initiative and improving simple things. But for a conversion that hit the post at the end of the game and a yellow card that hurt them, they might have got the four points they were looking for.
"I'm happy with the attitude, and we can build from it. There's some positive stuff and it's getting better week on week. We need to have the mindset to improve, and Paddy [Tuipulotu] and the boys have it.
"We played more instinctively [the secondlf]. We played on the front foot, and everybody got involved and played their part. We were less clunky, and it was more about just playing.
"We found space on the edges and put the ball in behind.
Cotter said debut second five-eighths Xavi Taele is an outstanding talent.
"He's been working hard since November, and it's no surprise. He's done the hard work, trained well, and put pressure on people starting ahead of him.
"We're happy with [flanker] Cam Christie as well. He missed a try by a couple of centimetres, and it brings some life to the team, having these guys play and not worrying about anything but playing as well as they can.
"Cam's a tough warrior for his age. He works tirelessly, is physical and relentless, and has an aggressive attitude.
"Even Tristan Cook came on and I thought he did well. He's a young player who played NZ Under-20s last year."
"We're also happy to have Stephen [Perofeta] back. He had some nice touches. He's a bit rusty, it's been a while since he played. He's a calm, composed person who thinks well, constructs the game well. He'll be better for it next week."
Tuipulotu said the side could hold their heads high and be proud of their effort, having come so close.
They created opportunities in the game, and when reviewing it, they would get a clearer picture of the performance and focus on a few key things to get better prepared to play the Crusaders next.