NARROW LOSS FOR BLUES IN SEASON OPENER

The Blues suffered a narrow 15-19 defeat in their 2026 Super Rugby season opener against the Chiefs at Eden Park.

In a match where chances were at a premium, the Blues showed steel and attacking promise, pushing last year’s finalists all the way before a breakaway try in the closing minutes proved the difference.

The opening exchanges were tense, with both sides probing but unable to convert early pressure into points.

New Blues recruit Bradley Slater came agonisingly close to a dream start against his former side, held up over the line in a moment that summed up the intensity of the opening quarter.

As the game settled, the Blues continued to apply pressure through strong carries and committed defence.

After the visitors struck first, the response was immediate and emphatic.

Caleb Clarke punched through the line before Zarn Sullivan powered on in support, sprinting his way over to level the scores and lift the Eden Park crowd.

With the contest finely balanced, the Blues’ defensive effort kept the scoreboard tight heading into the break.

The home side came out with intent in the second half and were rewarded when skipper Dalton Papali’i crashed over following another damaging Sullivan carry.

Even after the scores were levelled once more, the Blues remained composed. A strong restart forced an error and allowed Sullivan to nudge the hosts back in front with a penalty, capping an influential night from the fullback.

The match was ultimately decided in the final minutes, with a rare broken-field moment giving the visitors the decisive score. Despite the setback, the Blues continued to fight until the final whistle.

The focus now shifts quickly to the next challenge, with the Blues preparing for a trip to Perth to take on the Force in Joondalup on Saturday night.

Blues 15: (Tries: Sullivan, Papali'i; Cons: Sullivan; Pens: Sullivan)
Chiefs 19: (Tries: Ratima, Taukei'aho, Vaa'i; Cons: Jacomb 2)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe