2026 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS, PRESS CONFERENCES, MATCH REPORTS
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final: Crusaders 52 - 31 Blues (L)
The Blues are heading to Wellington for a Super Rugby Pacific semi final showdown with the Hurricanes.
Despite falling 52-31 in their Qualifying Final against the Crusaders on Saturday night, results elsewhere ensured Vern Cotter's side secured their place in the competition's final four, setting up a blockbuster clash against the Hurricanes next weekend.
Facing one of the toughest assignments in Super Rugby, the Blues made a flying start in Christchurch.
A clever lineout move created space for AJ Lam to break through the defensive line before finding halfback Sam Nock in support for the opening try. Zarn Sullivan converted to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.
The match took a significant turn in the 18th minute when loose forward Malachi Wrampling was shown a red card following a tackle on Crusaders centre Leicester Fainga'anuku.
Reduced to 14 men for more than an hour, the Blues were forced to produce a gritty defensive effort against a Crusaders side determined to make the most of the advantage.
The visitors responded admirably. After the Crusaders hit back through Sevu Reece and Johnny McNicholl, Anton Segner crashed over to keep the Blues firmly in the contest.
The home side built momentum late in the first half, crossing three more times to establish a 33-14 advantage at the break, but the Blues continued to fight throughout the second period.
Tries to Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke and Payton Spencer highlighted the attacking quality and resilience within the squad.
Clarke's powerful finish and Spencer's late effort ensured the Blues remained competitive right through to the final whistle despite the numerical disadvantage.
Attention now turns to Wellington, where the Blues will meet the Hurricanes for a place in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final.
During the game prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi ran out in his 165th game to become the most capped Blues player of all time.
Blues 31: Tries: Sam Nock, Anton Segner, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Payton Spencer. Conversions: Zarn Sullivan (3)
Crusaders 52: Tries: Johnny McNicholl (3), Sevu Reece, David Havili, Taha Kemara, Chay Fihaki, Ioane Moananu Leitu. Conversions: Taha Kemara (5), Rivez Reihana
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 16: Hurricanes 59 - 34 Blues (L)
The Blues will turn their attention to a qualifying final against the Crusaders in Christchurch after falling 59-34 to the Chiefs in their final regular season match in Hamilton on Saturday night.
With a top four finish already secured heading into Round 16, the Blues were searching for a win to lock in third place on the ladder but were unable to contain a Chiefs side that produced a clinical second half performance at FMG Stadium Waikato.
The visitors made the perfect start when impressive loose forward Torian Barnes powered over for the opening try, helping the Blues establish a 10-0 lead inside the opening quarter.
The Chiefs responded with a strong period before halftime, scoring three unanswered tries to swing momentum in their favour. However, the Blues stayed in the contest through a well-worked finish from AJ Lam shortly before the break to trail 19-15 at halftime.
The hosts extended their advantage early in the second half, but there was a memorable moment for debutant hooker Eli Oudenryn, who crossed for a try just six minutes into his Super Rugby Pacific career.
Despite continuing to fight hard, the Blues were unable to halt a Chiefs attack that found its rhythm after the break, with the home side running in several second-half tries to build an unassailable lead.
There were positives late for the Blues, with All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke powering over and Xavi Taele adding another score as the visitors continued to attack until the final whistle.
While the result sees the Blues finish fourth on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, attention now shifts to next week's qualifying final against rivals the Crusaders at ONE NZ Stadium.
Blues 34: (Torian Barnes, AJ Lam, Eli Oudenryn, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele tries; Zarn Sullivan 3 conversions, penalty)
Chiefs 59: (Daniel Sinkinson 2, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tyrone Thompson, Wallace Sititi, Samipeni Finau, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reon Paul tries)
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 14: Blues 24 - 47 Hurricanes (L)
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
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 13: Blues 20 - 36 Crusaders (L)
The Blues showed fight in Christchurch but were unable to claw back a second half deficit, falling 36-20 to the Crusaders at One NZ Stadium on Friday night.
After weathering an early wave of pressure from the home side, the Blues produced some of their best attacking rugby of the night to briefly take the lead before halftime, highlighted by a stunning long-range effort from winger AJ Lam.
The Crusaders struck first through prop George Bower before adding a second through lock Jamie Hannah to open up a 12-3 advantage midway through the opening half.
But the Blues responded in style.
A turnover deep inside their own half sparked a counterattack, with Lam slicing through from nearly 70 metres out to ignite the visitors and cut the margin to two points.
The momentum stayed with the Blues heading into the break. A clever kick in behind forced the Crusaders onto their own line before halfback Sam Nock sniped over from close range, giving the Blues a 13-12 lead at halftime.
The Crusaders regained control early in the second spell and capitalised on several opportunities to extend their advantage despite the Blues continuing to threaten with ball in hand.
The visitors refused to go away, however, and kept pushing until the final whistle. Hoskins Sotutu powered over late after sustained pressure as the Blues looked to mount a comeback against a Crusaders side reduced to 13 men in the closing stages.
While the result was not the one the Blues were chasing, there were positive signs in attack, with Lam and Nock both impressing and the side continuing to create opportunities against one of the competition’s toughest opponents on the road.
The Blues now turn their attention to next week when they host the Hurricanes in their final home game of the regular season on Saturday night at Eden Park.
Blues 20: (Tries: Lam, Nock, Sotutu; Cons: Barrett; Pens: Perofeta)
Crusaders 36” (Tries: Bower, Hannah, Reihana, Reece, Bell, Preston; Cons: Reihana 3)
Referee: Angus Gardner
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 12: Blues 45 - 19 Moana Pasifika (W)
The Blues delivered a powerful second half performance to secure a 45-19 bonus point victory over Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in Round 12.
After a disrupted opening spell, the Blues showed composure to reset and build into the contest, ultimately taking control through clinical execution and increased intensity either side of halftime.
Moana Pasifika struck first after sustained pressure inside the Blues 22, but the visitors responded through prop Marcel Renata, who crossed to settle the side and get the Blues on the board.
First five Stephen Perofeta played a key role in guiding the Blues around the park, while strong contributions across the forward pack laid the platform for a shift in momentum.
North Harbour local Kade Banks impressed on home turf, slicing through the defence to give the Blues the lead just before the break.
Carrying that momentum into the second half, captain Patrick Tuipulotu extended the advantage early, before James Mullan finished off a well-worked phase as the Blues began to assert dominance.
With control of territory and possession, the visitors turned pressure into points.
Perofeta capped an influential performance by finishing off a turnover opportunity, while the introduction of Beauden Barrett added further spark, with the experienced playmaker crossing shortly after entering the game.
Debutant Terrell Peita added the finishing touch with his first try in Blues colours, sealing the bonus point and underlining the squad’s depth and impact off the bench.
Head coach Vern Cotter’s side now turns their focus to a big clash against the Crusaders on Friday night.
Blues 45: (Tries: Renata, Banks, Mullan, Tuipulotu, Barrett, Peita, Perofeta; Cons: Perofeta 4, Barrett)
Moana Pasifika 19: (Tries: Sanerivi 2, Apoua; Cons: Havili 2)
Referee: Nic Berry
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 11: Blues 36 - 33 Reds (W)
A composed golden point penalty from Beauden Barrett has secured a dramatic 36-33 victory for the Blues, closing out a pulsating Super Round clash with the Queensland Reds in Christchurch.
In front of a capacity crowd at One NZ Stadium, the Blues showed both attacking class and resilience, holding their nerve in extra time after the Reds mounted a determined second-half comeback.
The Blues set the tone early, building a 21-7 lead through sharp execution and clinical finishing. Fullback Zarn Sullivan was a standout in the opening spell, crossing for a first-half double as the home side took control.
Despite the Reds closing the gap, the Blues again extended their advantage to 33-21 with 15 minutes remaining, looking in command of the contest. However, the visitors refused to go away, eventually forcing extra time with a late converted try.
Golden point proved a test of composure, and the Blues delivered.
Applying sustained pressure deep in Reds territory, the breakthrough came when a ruck infringement handed Barrett the opportunity to decide the match. From a slight angle, the experienced playmaker made no mistake, calmly slotting the match-winning penalty.
The result continues a strong showing for New Zealand sides during Super Round and sees the Blues maintain momentum in a tightly contested ladder.
Alongside Sullivan’s double, tries to Cole Forbes, Dalton Papali'i and Bradley Slater highlighted a well-rounded attacking performance, while Barrett added four conversions and the decisive penalty.
In a match that tested both physicality and mental resolve, the Blues showed their ability to close out high-pressure moments.
Blues 36: (Tries: Sullivan 2, Forbes, Papali'i, Slater; Cons: Barrett 4; Pens: Barrett)
Queensland Reds 33: (Tries: McReight, Wilson, Campbell, Ryan, Werchon; McLaughlin-Phillips 3, Volavola)
Referee: James Doleman
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 10: Blues 47 - 40 Highlanders (W)
The Blues have reinforced their position as genuine contenders with a high-scoring 47-40 victory over the Highlanders in Auckland, successfully defending the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy and climbing to second on the ladder.
In a match that showcased the Blues’ attacking firepower and resilience, the home side built a commanding lead through clinical execution and dominance up front, before holding firm in a tense final passage.
The visitors struck early, but the Blues responded immediately with authority. The forward pack set the tone, with Hoskins Sotutu crashing over for his first try of the season, quickly followed by Anton Segner, who capped an outstanding all-round performance that included key turnovers and relentless work at the breakdown.
Momentum continued to build as Sam Darry powered over to extend the lead, rewarding sustained pressure and defensive resolve. The try also marked a significant personal milestone for Beauden Barrett, who moved to second on Super Rugby’s all-time points scorers list.
Despite a disrupted first half that included a yellow card, the Blues showed composure to take a 19-14 lead into the break.
They came out firing in the second half. A well-executed maul saw Bradley Slater cross early, before Segner added his second to push the advantage out to 33-14 after 50 minutes. The Blues’ ability to convert pressure into points underlined their control of the contest.
The Highlanders mounted a late challenge, but the Blues continued to find answers. Barrett’s vision created space for Cole Forbes to strike, while further tries to Ben Ake and sustained attacking pressure ensured the home side stayed in front.
While the visitors threatened a late comeback, the Blues’ defence held under pressure in the closing moments, forcing a decisive error to seal an important win in front of their home fans.
The result keeps the Blues firmly in the hunt near the top of the table and builds momentum heading into Super Round, where they will look to carry this performance into their next challenge.
Blues 47: (Tries: Segner 2, Slater, Darry, Sotutu, Forbes, Ake; Cons: Barrett 6)
Highlanders 40: (Tries: Lennox 2, Tele’a 2, Tito-Harris, Vikena; Cons: Millar 5)
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 9: Blues 19 - 42 Hurricanes (L)
The Blues have fallen 42-19 to the Hurricanes in Wellington, in a result that doesn’t reflect the fight and character shown by the visitors across key periods of the contest.
In a tough night on the road, the Blues were forced to weather an early storm as the Hurricanes struck twice inside the opening quarter to take a 14-0 lead.
Centre AJ Lam continued his strong form to open the scoring, before a sharp attacking movement saw Codemeru Vai combine with Caleb Clarke, who finished superbly in the corner for his 39th Blues try to close the gap to just two points.
The visitors carried that momentum deep into the first half, showing composure and creativity with ball in hand, but the Hurricanes managed to regain control late in the half to take a 21-12 lead into the break.
The second half saw the Blues continue to push, but momentum proved difficult to maintain against a Hurricanes side that capitalised on key moments. Despite this, the Blues refused to go away.
A turning point came midway through the second spell when the Hurricanes were reduced to 14 men following a high shot, allowing the Blues to apply sustained pressure. That pressure was rewarded when Malachi Wrampling powered over, keeping the contest within reach.
However, the Hurricanes were able to respond in the closing stages, taking their chances to extend the margin and close out the match.
While the result didn’t go their way, the Blues showed resilience and promise throughout, particularly in patches where their ball movement and physicality challenged one of the competition’s form sides.
The focus now shifts quickly to another crucial clash against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night.
Blues 19: (Tries: Lam, Clarke, Wrampling; Cons: B. Barrett 2)
Hurricanes 42: (Tries: Harkin 2, Aumua, Roigard, Fineanganofo, Proctor; Cons: Love 6)
Referee: Nic Berry
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 7: Blues 40 - 15 Drua (W)
The Blues have delivered a commanding 40-15 bonus point victory over the Fijian Drua at Eden Park, continuing their strong push at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table.
In a performance built on forward dominance and clinical finishing, the home side overcame early pressure to take control, with hooker Bradley Slater leading the way with a brace from powerful rolling mauls.
The Blues made an electric start, crossing inside the opening 10 minutes when Malachi Wrampling finished off a sharp attacking sequence to ignite Eden Park.
While the Drua responded quickly, the Blues’ set-piece and physicality began to assert itself, creating repeat opportunities deep in opposition territory.
Slater capitalised soon after, crashing over from close range as the Blues’ maul proved a consistent weapon throughout the night.
Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, the Blues remained composed, managing the game effectively through the middle stages of the first half.
The Drua closed the gap late before the break, but the Blues regrouped at halftime with a narrow lead and clear intent.
The second half belonged firmly to the home side.
Slater grabbed his second try early in the half, once again finishing the work of a dominant forward pack as the Blues turned pressure into points. From there, the game opened up, with the Blues’ impact off the bench proving decisive.
Codemeru Vai injected energy and creativity, linking effectively with Payton Spencer to stretch the defence before Spencer produced a moment of brilliance - finishing a length of the field movement that showcased the Blues’ ability to turn defence into attack in an instant.
The play began deep inside Blues territory, with a crucial turnover sparking a sweeping counterattack through Beauden Barrett and Finlay Christie, ending with Spencer diving over to seal momentum.
Caleb Clarke put the finishing touches on the performance, powering over in the corner after the fulltime siren to secure the bonus point and cap a polished team display.
With six tries in total and control asserted through both set-piece and open play, the Blues continue to build momentum, remaining firmly in the hunt at the top of the competition.
Blues 40: (Tries: Slater 2, Wrampling, Spencer, Clarke, Vai; Cons: Barrett 5)
Fijiana Drua 15: (Tries: Waqa, Vocevoce; Cons: Valetini; Pens: Valetini)
Referee: Reuben Keane
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 6: Blues 35 - 20 Waratahs (W)
The Blues have delivered a composed performance in Sydney, overturning a halftime deficit to defeat the Waratahs 35-20 and extend their winning momentum in Super Rugby Pacific.
After scoring an early try in just the second minute through halfback Finlay Christie, the Blues were forced to absorb sustained pressure from the home side throughout much of the first half.
Despite spending long periods defending their line - including a 10-minute stretch with Malachi Wrampling in the sin bin - the visitors showed resilience to limit the damage.
The Waratahs capitalised late in the half to take a 17-8 lead into the break, but the Blues regrouped with intent and accuracy in the second spell.
A dominant second-half display saw the Blues take control of the contest, running in 27 unanswered points to secure a bonus-point victory on the road.
Improved execution, territory control, and defensive discipline proved decisive as the side clicked into gear and dictated terms.
The result marks a significant milestone for the club, with the Blues recording a 12th consecutive win over a Super Rugby opponent, their longest winning streak in three decades.
Blues 35: (Tries: Lam 2, Christie, Vai; Cons: Barrett 2; Pens: Barrett 2)
NSW Waratahs 20: (Tries: Debreczini, Lambert; Cons: Harvey 2; Pens: Harvey 2)
Referee: Jordan Way
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 5: Blues 43 - 7 Moana Pasifika (W)
Another strong Blues performance saw them run in four unanswered second half tries as they proved too strong for Moana Pasifika, claiming a commanding 43-7 victory at Eden Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues came out firing and it didn’t take long for the first points to arrive. After a lineout inside the 22, the forwards went to work, hammering away at Moana Pasifika’s defensive line. Sam Nock spotted space at the base of the ruck and darted over to give the home side an early 5-0 lead.
A red card to Augustine Pulu soon after opened the door, and the Blues wasted no time taking advantage. Building pressure deep in the attacking zone, the ball was worked left where Taufa Funaki stabbed a clever kick through for AJ Lam to regather and score.
Moana Pasifika struck back to reduce the deficit to 10-7, but the Blues responded immediately.
From the restart they attacked again, Xavi Taele linking up with Codemeru Vai who stormed down the sideline before finding Anton Segner just short of the line. Ofa Tu’ungafasi finished the movement moments later, charging over to extend the lead.
Moana Pasifika threatened late in the first half and thought they had crossed twice, but both tries were scrubbed by the TMO, leaving the Blues with a 15-7 advantage at the break.
The second half firmly belonged to the home side.
Within minutes the Blues struck again, working their way up field through a penalty before Marcel Renata powered over from close range. Soon after, Beauden Barrett launched a superb spiral bomb that earned a 50/22. From the resulting lineout the forwards went back to work, and Sam Darry forced his way across to push the lead to 29-7.
With control firmly in their hands, the Blues added two more late tries. Vai showed electric pace to finish down the right edge after a turnover in the ruck, before Mason Tupaea spotted a gap in the defensive line to cap off the scoring.
Vai was outstanding with 104 running metres and a try, while captain Dalton Papali’i led from the front once again with 25 tackles.
Next up in Round 6 the Blues head across the Tasman to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night.
Blues 43: (Tries: Tu'ungafasi, Renata, Nock, Darry, Vai, Lam, Tupaea; Cons: Barrett 4)
Moana Pasifika 7: (Try: Sanerivi; Con: Pellegrini)
Referee: James Doleman
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 4: Blues 29 - 13 Crusaders (W)
The Blues bounced back in style in front of a vocal home crowd at Eden Park, producing a clinical performance to secure a 29-13 statement win over the Crusaders in Round 4.
It was the Blues wingers who set the tone early, with the hosts racing to a commanding 19-3 lead inside the opening 21 minutes.
Caleb Clarke picked up right where he left off from last week, crossing twice in the opening nine minutes to ignite the home crowd.
The early momentum came after the Crusaders were reduced to 14 players following a high shot from Dom Gardiner, shortly after Jamie Hannah had opened the scoring.
A late reshuffle before kick-off saw Beauden Barrett elevated into the starting side for his first appearance of 2026, and the All Blacks playmaker delivered one of the highlights of the night.
Barrett produced a perfectly weighted attacking kick for Codemeru Vai, who showed superb athleticism to gather the ball and touch down within inches of the in-goal sideline.
A yellow card to Clarke for a deliberate knock-down allowed the visitors back into the contest late in the first half, cutting the Blues’ lead to six at the break.
Codie Taylor scored the Crusaders’ opening try before Rivez Reihana finished a slick attacking movement he had initiated with a clever kick, diving over from a deft flick pass by Noah Hotham.
Clarke made amends shortly after the restart, returning from the sin bin to complete his hat-trick and restore the Blues’ 12-point advantage.
From there, the Blues controlled the contest, with a composed defensive effort shutting down any momentum from the defending champions.
The Crusaders’ best opportunity came with 10 minutes remaining, but a crucial tackle under the posts dislodged the ball and preserved the Blues lead.
A late penalty from Barrett sealed the result and ended a four-game drought against the Crusaders at Eden Park.
The Blues now turn their focus to the next challenge up against Moana Pasifika on Sunday afternoon back at Eden Park.
Blues 29 (Tries: Clarke 3, Vai; Cons: Barrett 3; Pens: Barrett)
Crusaders 13 (Tries: Taylor, Reihana; Pens: Reihana)
Referee: Nic Berry
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 3: Blues 27 - 30 Brumbies (L)
It was heartbreak at the hooter for the Blues in Canberra, falling 30-27 to the Brumbies in a Round 3 clash that had everything.
The opening 40 minutes were a genuine arm wrestle. The Blues started with strong territory and intent, but it was the Brumbies who struck first against the run of play, a clever kick in behind leading to the opener and a 7-0 lead.
The response was immediate. Caleb Clarke read the play perfectly, intercepting a pass and racing away to level the scores at 7-7.
Despite conceding a penalty and another try midway through the half, the Blues stayed composed and chipped away at the deficit. A Stephen Perofeta penalty reduced the margin before a momentum-shifting play just before the break.
Finlay Christie launched a midfield bomb which Josh Beehre regathered brilliantly. From the ensuing phases, AJ Lam muscled his way through multiple defenders to score a superb try, levelling the game 15-15 at halftime.
The second half was built on resilience. The Blues absorbed sustained pressure early, conceding just three points before striking when their opportunity came. A quick Christie throw found Cole Forbes in space, and after sharp ball movement to the left edge, Clarke crossed for his second to give the visitors the lead.
Momentum continued to build when Codemeru Vai punched through the middle off the bench, setting the platform for Dalton Papali’i to finish in the corner in his 100th match. At 27-18, the Blues had control.
But rugby can turn quickly. A yellow card to Perofeta in the 71st minute shifted momentum in the home side’s favour and the Brumbies capitalised, scoring twice with the final blow coming in stoppage time to steal the result.
Clarke was electric with 108 metres and four clean breaks, while Papali’i led from the front with 19 tackles and two turnovers in his 100th match.
The Blues look to regroup in front of their home fans with another big match-up against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Blues 27 (Tries: Clarke 2, Lam, Papali'i; Cons: Perofeta 2; Pens: Perofeta)
ACT Brumbies 30 (Tries: Meredith, Pollard, Reimer, Cale; Cons: Lonergan, Edmed; Pens: Lonergan 2)
Referee: Angus Gardner
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 2: Blues 42 - 32 Force (W)
The Blues bounced back in style on Saturday night, outlasting the Western Force 42-32 in a high-scoring contest in Perth to get their season up and running.
The team came out with intent, setting up camp inside the Force 22 early. The forward pack rolled up their sleeves and went to work, with Joshua Fusitu’a reaping the rewards as he powered over for the opener and a 7-0 lead.
The Force hit back in similar fashion to level things up, but the Blues stayed composed.
A yellow card to the home side opened the door. Sustained pressure through the middle created space out wide, and Stephen Perofeta had a simple finish down the left edge to restore the advantage.
Momentum continued to swing, with the Force edging ahead 17-14 just before the break after flanker Carlo Tizzano crossed, but the Blues came out firing in the second spell with the wind at their backs.
A slick left-edge movement saw Finlay Christie link with Caleb Clarke, who found Dalton Papali’i in space. His offload to Zarn Sullivan was perfectly timed, and the fullback did the rest to reclaim the lead.
From there, the Blues’ power game took over. AJ Lam’s clever grubber pinned the Force deep before Torian Barnes burrowed over for his first Super Rugby try. Soon after, a clinical lineout drive and quick hands put Cole Forbes over in the corner to stretch the margin.
The Force refused to fade, but every time they threatened, the Blues responded. Josh Beehre added his name to the scoresheet after relentless forward pressure close to the line, sealing the result despite a late consolation try.
Sullivan was electric with 82 running metres, while Beehre impressed with 16 tackles and a crucial turnover.
The Blues continue their Australian tour this week when they travel to Canberra to take on the red hot Brumbies on Saturday night.
Blues 42: (Tries: Fusitu'a, Perofeta, Sullivan, Barnes, Forbes, Beehre; Cons: Perofeta 6)
Force 32: (Tries: Johnson-Holmes, Tizzano, Kuenzle, Donaldson; Cons: Donaldson 3; Pens: Donaldson 2)
Referee: Damon Murphy
2026 Super Rugby Pacific Round 1: Blues 15 - 19 Chiefs (L)
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