Blues hang on for thrilling win over Hurricanes to top Super Rugby Pacific
Saturday, 11 May 2024
The Blues went top of Super Rugby Pacific after beating the Hurricanes in front of almost 26,000 at Eden Park.
There are three rounds left of the regular season and the Hurricanes dropped to second.
The Canes were pushing to snatch victory at the death but were denied by the Blues’ defensive resolve.
At Eden Park, Auckland: Blues 31 (Bryce Heem 4’, Cole Forbes 36’, Mark Telea 53’, Angus Ta’avao 64’ tries; Harry Plummer 4 con, pen) Hurricanes 27 (Brad Shields 8’, Josh Moorby 43’, Peter Lakai 46’, TJ Perenara 68’ tries; Jordie Barrett 2 con, pen). HT: 14-10. Yellow card: Akira Ioane (Blues).
The Blues landed a major blow in leapfrogging the Hurricanes to top the Super Rugby Pacific table on Saturday night.
Vern Cotter’s team recorded their eighth successive win in front of a healthy Eden Park crowd and built more momentum in their search for a first major title since 2003.
The Blues survived a late onslaught on their own line to win 31-27 when their defence was willed on by their anxious supporters. They erupted at full-time when the ball was ripped free and booted into the stands by Sam Nock.
It was only the second defeat for Clark Laidlaw’s side in his first season in charge, as they drop to second with a 9-2 record, but they remain in a good position despite this agonising defeat.
Claiming a losing bonus point, the Canes were not at their best after losing the likes of Billy Proctor and Tyrel Lomax from their changed line-up before kick-off.
There was little to choose between the two packs, veteran halfback TJ Perenara led the visitors around superbly and Canes playmaker Ruben Love always looked menacing.
Blues centre AJ Lam had a strong game in Rieko Ioane’s absence (concussion) and winger Caleb Clarke and No 8 Hoskins Sotutu are looking good for Scott Robertson’s first All Blacks squad.
It was a perfect setting on a glorious Auckland afternoon and an occasion a struggling competition needed. The two best teams, at the more friendly kick-off time of 4:35pm, eight tries, a tense finish and a big crowd of almost 26,000.
Aucklanders might come back next week after watching a thrilling Blues victory.
There was a competitive tension that comes with a match of consequence, both sides knowing a win could be the difference between hosting a play-off fixture and not.
Still, there was equally an ambition to play. Easy penalty goals were snubbed in favour of pushing for tries. The Blues even scored through Cole Forbes when Akira Ioane was in the sinbin.
The Hurricanes hung in the contest and didn’t lead until Peter Lakai crossed in the 46th minute. Knowing it was a grind, Jordie Barrett took the kicking tee from Brett Cameron, who missed two first-half conversions, and pointed straight to the posts in booting the first penalty goal on the hour.
It was crunch time. TJ Perenara’s score in between Mark Telea and Angus Ta’avao’s tries for the hosts ensured it was a one-point game for the final minutes.
Harry Plummer’s late penalty goal, in his confident display, gave the Blues more comfort before denying the Canes victory at the death and improved their record to 10-1.
The late arrivals missed an early exchange of tries for Bryce Heem and Brad Shields in an opening quarter bogged down by scrums.
The swelling crowd was subdued until two try-saving tackles denied Josh Moorby and Love – the second from Plummer was outstanding – after the Hurricanes looked dangerous in open play.
A knee injury to Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan, who went down without contact from a Hurricanes defender, brought another hush. His Super Rugby season might be over after just returning from a separate knee ligament problem.
There was another gasp when Ioane was sinbinned for clashing heads with Perenara at a ruck, and despite the hosts striking with one player less, the Canes had the last say of the first half with Moorby’s finish in the corner.
The big picture
It’s one victory apiece after the Hurricanes won the reverse fixture in Wellington in March.
There are three rounds left and the Chiefs, who were third after beating Moana Pasifika 43-7 on Friday night, play both teams in the final weeks of the regular season.
Those fixtures are likely to determine the top four’s final standings and which teams will host quarterfinals in June.
What’s next
The Blues will hope to attract another large crowd when the Highlanders visit Eden Park next Saturday night, starting at 7:05pm.
The Hurricanes return to the capital when hosting Moana Pasifika next Friday night and meet the Chiefs in Hamilton the following week.