The Blues scored four tries as they clinched a 31-16 bonus-point win over the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Aotearoa match in Wellington on Saturday.
The match didn’t quite reach the same thrilling level as the one between the Crusaders and Highlanders, but the quality of play was still good.
The Blues were by far the better team, but unfortunately the failure to turn dominance into points proved costly in the first half. They controlled the pace of the game and were superior at in all the set pieces, but Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea kept his side in the contest with numerous crucial turnovers right on the tryline to prevent the visitors from pulling away on the scoreboard.
Tasked with launching a comeback in the second half, the Blues did so with flying colours, outscoring their hosts three tries to one to secure a commanding victory.
Flank Dalton Papali’i gave the Blues the perfect start when he pounced on a Hurricanes mistake inside their own half to score the opening try in the fourth minute.
First try of the season to Dalton ✊?
?: @skysportnz#WeAreTheBlues #BluesAllDay #HURvBLU pic.twitter.com/pc1U7HfeoK
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) February 27, 2021
It didn’t take long for the Hurricanes to respond, as hooker Asafo Aumua went on a storming run through the heart of the Blues defence before reaching out to score. The action didn’t let up throughout the half, with the Blues making all the play. But, frustratingly for the visitors, the action didn’t translate into points as the Blues turned down several kickable penalties in favour of searching for a try which never came.
In stark contrast, the Hurricanes didn’t have many opportunities but when two chances came their way late in the half, Barrett stepped up twice as he launched two monster penalty kicks for an unexpected 11-7 lead at the break.
?? Asafo Aumua. Try. And. Stop. Him.@Hurricanesrugby close the lead to 7 – 5 vs @BluesRugbyTeam.
Watch:
??: @skysportnz
?: https://t.co/84S5jNvmOU pic.twitter.com/K5y8lIvKdp— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) February 27, 2021
?? Jordie the BOOT! Tana’s face says it all as Jordie Barrett punishes the Blues from the tee.
Catch the second half here:
??: @skysportnz
?: https://t.co/84S5jNvmOU pic.twitter.com/AjYk2J4tZ5— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) February 27, 2021
It was a different Blues team that came out in the second half. They landed a double blow with two quick converted tries and sped out to a 21-11 lead in no time.
There was another try for the Hurricanes to make it a five-point game, but the Blues chalked up 10 straight points in the last 10 minutes to leave the Canes reeling.
“What a beautiful kick” @BluesRugbyTeam take the lead in Wellington.
?: @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/qz4oyj36SP
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) February 27, 2021
Hurricanes – Tries: Asafo Aumua (2). Penalties: Jordie Barrett (2).
Blues – Tries: Dalton Papali’i, Caleb Clarke, Stephan Perofeta, Rieko Ioane. Conversions: Otere Black (4). Penalty: Black.
Photo: Blues Rugby
