Blues Beauden Barrett during the Super Rugby Pacific Blues v Hurricanes at Eden Park. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
It won't go down as a classic, but the Blues will still be breathing a sigh of relief at their 19-18 win over the Hurricanes at Eden Park. The victory is only the second for the defending champions in 2025, however it gives them some much-needed momentum for the business end of the competition.
The first half was a scrappy affair, with both sides more keen to gift each other chances than create ones of their own. The Hurricanes were denied an opening try by the TMO after Peter Lakai benefited from an obstruction before diving over, however they weren't to be denied after half an hour when Brayden Iose found himself in the back of a better lineout drive.
Marcel Renata hit back for the Blues after they finally clicked into gear in the 22 and the home side really should've gone into the break another try up, but they couldn't finish off a great break started by Mark Tele'a.
So it was telling that both sides settled for shots at goal throughout, Beauden Barrett knocking over his third penalty after halftime to edge the Blues out to a 16-13 lead. From there the Hurricanes dominated territory but couldn't get anything to show for it till Ngane Punivai got on the end of a sweeping move that involved an audacious Lakai tap kick.
Crucially, Hohepa's conversion slid wide, which gave the Blues the ability to simply play for a penalty rather than go for a try. They did it successfully in the 67th minute, when Barrett split the posts from 40 metres out, giving them the one-point lead they hung on to till full time.
The Hurricanes will be ruing not taking a golden chance created by Bailyn Sullivan shortly after, his break upfield saw the ball knocked on only two rucks later. The last 10 minutes were simply down to who made the least mistakes, and it was the Blues who held their nerve.
It sets up an intriguing battle with the in form Moana Pasifika next weekend back at Eden Park. The Hurricanes head home for a big challenge against the Crusaders.
Read how the game unfolded with RNZ's live blog:
