nib BLUES FALL TO POUA IN WELLINGTON

The nib Blues have been beaten 45-30 by Hurricanes Poua in a high-scoring Super Rugby Aupiki clash in Upper Hutt.

The Blues made an excellent start after conceding an early try, responding with three unanswered five-pointers through Katelyn Vaha'akolo (2) and Mererangi Paul to take control of the contest.

However, Hurricanes Poua hit back before halftime to take a 23-15 advantage into the break.

The defending champions responded again early in the second half, with tries to Jaymie Kolose and Liana Mikaele-Tu'u putting the Blues back in front.

But the hosts finished strongly, capitalising on field position and momentum to score four unanswered tries and extend their lead.

Despite the result, the nib Blues remain firmly in the finals race with two regular season matches remaining and will look to bounce back in next week’s crucial fixture against Chiefs Manawa in Whangārei.