Blues blow away Hurricanes
The Blues have moved up to second after a storming last quarter saw them beat the Hurricanes 41-17.
Last Updated: 19/03/11 10:25am
The Blues have moved up to second of Super Rugby after a storming last quarter saw them beat the Hurricanes 41-17.
In an awe-inspiring Auckland contest, the hosts also earned a thoroughly-deserved bonus point after running in five tries at Eden Park.
The visitors were in the game for 65 minutes but at 20-17, the 'Canes lost sin-binned skipper Andrew Hore for a professional foul and the Blues scored three tries to seal victory.
The Blues led 20-14 at half time thanks to tries from Rene Ranger and Stephen Brett while the Hurricanes only try came via prop Neemia Tialata.
Hurricanes fly-half Daniel Kirkpatrick kicked four penalties to keep his side in contention but the visitors had no answer to the Blues late surge as Lachie Munro, Alby Mathewson and Jared Payne all crossed the whitewash.
All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu made his return from suspension to win his 100th cap for the Hurricanes with a strong performance featuring a few typically powerful runs. But the star of the show was Blues full-back Isaia Toeava, who was a constant threat on attack.
The result sees the Blues move to within one point of leaders the Crusaders, while the Hurricanes are now five points off the pace in fourth.
