The pacesetting Blues showed some character flaws but were still too good for the Sharks in their Super 12 rugby match at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.

The Auckland-based Blues prevailed 25-16 after trailing 8-16 at halftime, their eighth win from nine matches which lifted the competition leaders to 39 points from a possible 45.

They were happy enough to trudge off the ground with victory after an error-ridden first half during which they repeatedly turned over possession and appeared disjointed and largely leaderless.

It was a different story after the break, however, as livewire centre Rico Gear scored two classy tries after his forwards at last began to exert a semblance of control.

The Blues were punished in the fifth minute when they paid heavily for being too adventurous inside their own 22.

Possession was coughed up before Sharks lock AJ Venter crossed the tryline, a movement which was followed by the first of three penalties to first five-eighth Butch James as the visitors earned an early 10-0 advantage.

Hooker Derren Witcombe responded in the 15th minute by scoring a try of his own when the Blues worked the ball to the shorts side following a 5m lineout.

Television replays showed Witcombe was fortunate to be awarded the try as he had a foot in touch when he accepted a pass from his No 8 and captain Xavier Rush.

James kicked his two penalties, against one to Carlos Spencer, as halftime arrived with the Sharks ahead by eight points and appearing capable of causing a major boilover.

But just as the rain eased at the break, the Blues reappeared as a different outfit, improving their accuracy in all facets and looking to play for territory before trying expansive moves.

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