Anxious wait for rivals

Blues and Hurricanes still unsure of semi-final places

Last updated: 16th May 2008

Hosea Gear scores v the Blues

Gear: Scores but it was all in vain for the Hurricanes

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The Blues kept alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Super 14s with a nail-biting 19-17 victory over the Hurricanes.

Nick Evans was the hero for the Auckland-based club in what could be his last game for the Blues ahead of his summer move to Harlequins.

Evans landed 14 points with the boot, while Anthony Boric scored a crucial try as the Blues overcame the Hurricanes' early onslaught.

Two tries from Hosea Gear had put the Hurricanes in control at Eden Park in the first half, before the Blues came storming back.

The Hurricanes, though, had the chance to steal the win in the dying moments but Willie Ripia missed three drop-goal attempts.

The victory sees the Blues move up to third in the standings, however the Waratahs, Sharks and Stormers can still overtake them.

Second-paced Wellington are by no means assured of their place in the last four, with the trio of clubs still able to overhaul them.