Blues stand-in captain Sonny Bill Williams has dedicated his side's drought ending victory to former prop Mike Tamoaieta, having secured a 28-20 win over the Sunwolves in Albany last night.
Playing at home for the first time since Tamoaieta's tragic passing last week , the Blues answered their critics by notching their first win of 2019, having lost the opening three matches.
Filling in for regular skipper Patrick Tuipulotu, Williams took charge of the Blues for the first time, dedicating the victory to Tamoaieta and his family.
"We just tried to take that heavy heart- clear mind attitude into trainings and games. We had the funeral yesterday, and that was pretty tough," he told media.
The Blues prop will be honoured by the team at his home stadium on Saturday in Albany.
"The boys are hurting for Mikey's family, for his little one, and we tried to go out there and put on a performance Mike would appreciate.
"As you saw with the scrum, the boys really got up for that. It was good to be a part of."
Williams and the Blues will now have a week off, before facing the Highlanders at Eden Park on March 22.
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