The Blues have beaten an understrength Chiefs 39-19 to finish their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign on a positive note at Eden Park on Saturday.
Marcel Renata (left) and Hoskins Sotutu Photo: Photosport
A fourth win of the season put the Blues level on points with the Chiefs but the visitors were already assured of second place and a spot in next week's championship final because of their five previous wins.
Tries from hooker Kurt Eklund and flanker Adrian Choat gave the Blues a 14-9 half-time lead and debutant fullback Zarn Sullivan added another soon after the break.
The Chiefs, who had six debutants in their matchday squad as they rested 11 players for the title decider against the Crusaders, drew level at 19-19 when winger Shaun Stevenson crossed the line in the 61st minute.
First five-eighth Otere Black slotted a penalty to put the Blues back in front, before loose forward Hoskins Sotutu scored a fourth try and winger AJ Lam crossed twice in the last three minutes to put a gloss on the scoreline.
Former All Black Liam Messam, returning to Super Rugby at the age of 37 - three years after his last match - ended up leading the Chiefs on the field after captain Sean Wainui limped off with a hamstring injury some 15 minutes into the second half.
- Reuters
