BLUES UNABLE TO SLOW CANES AT EDEN PARK

Despite a spirited late fightback at Eden Park, the Blues were unable to reel in the competition leading Hurricanes, falling 47-24 on Saturday night.

After a difficult opening spell saw the visitors race to an early advantage, the Blues showed resilience and character to stay in the contest and finished strongly with three second half tries to ignite the home crowd.

The Hurricanes struck first through lock Warner Dearns before Jordie Barrett extended the lead inside the opening 12 minutes. The visitors capitalised on their early momentum and added a third through prop Pasilio Tosi to lead 21-0.

The Blues responded through the forward pack, with Malachi Wrampling crashing over to reward sustained pressure close to the line. The try continued the young forward’s impressive campaign and gave the hosts a foothold heading into the break.

Trailing at halftime, the Blues continued to battle against a Hurricanes side sitting atop the competition ladder. The visitors added further tries early in the second half, including one to winger Fehi Fineanganofo, before Raymond Tuputupu crossed to extend the margin.

Refusing to back down, the Blues finished the match with purpose and intensity. AJ Lam sparked the comeback effort with a strong finish out wide before Sam Darry powered over from close range.

With the Hurricanes reduced to 14 men late in the contest following a deliberate knock-on, the Blues continued to press and were rewarded when Kurt Eklund crossed from a driving maul in the closing stages.

Blues 24: (Tries: Wrampling, Lam, Darry, Eklund; Cons: Perofeta)
Hurricanes 47: (Tries: Dearns, J. Barrett, Tosi, Naholo, Fineanganofo, Lakai, Tuputupu; Cons: Love 6)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe