Blues grind out a win

Auckland full-back Paul Williams scored two tries as the Blues battled to a 19-15 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The Blues started well, with Joe Rokocoko and Isaia Toeava prominent with ball in hand as they dominated possession and territory in the opening exchanges.

But it was a good line break by wing Rudi Wulf that resulted in Williams powering his way over in the corner in the ninth minute.

Fly-half Stephen Brett added the conversion but otherwise struggled with his goal-kicking as he missed two further penalty opportunities - one an absolute sitter - and another conversion.

The Blues also suffered a setback when Toeava limped off with less than half an hour gone with a leg problem and was replaced by Ranger.

The Highlanders responded immediately to the Blues' opening try with Israel Dagg finishing off a well-worked set-piece move off the line-out.

Good clean ball off the top from Adam Thomson was spread wide and James Paterson raced through a gap before putting Dagg away.

The Blues' line-out however, proved far less reliable and it was messy throw that resulted in a try to Highlanders pivot Michael Hobbs, who showed some nice touches with ball in hand and some impressive work on defence.

A throw to the back was missed by Anthony Boric and then Tony Woodcock struggled to gather the loose ball and was swamped by Highlanders players close to his own line.

The ball was eventually worked to Jimmy Cowan, who put Hobbs into a half-gap and the 22-year-old forced his way over close to the posts for his third try in two games. He added the extras and the Highlanders held on for a 12-7 lead at the break.

Momentum

But two quick tries from visitors swung the momentum their way. The first had an element of luck to it as Williams had his kick partially charged down which put his forwards onside and prop John Afoa ran clear before putting his full-back away.

The second came after a period of pressure close to the Highlanders' line which eventually resulted in an overlap when the ball was spun wide and Ranger dived over for a 19-12 lead.

Dagg slotted a penalty to reduce the deficit to four points but the pressure on the home side mounted as lock Josh Bekhuis was sin-binned for illegal play at the breakdown.

But his team-mates dug deep and kept their line intact during his 10-minute breather as the Blues turned down three-point opportunities to go for the bonus-point try to no avail.

No sooner had the Highlanders been restored to their full complement than Ranger was shown a yellow card for an almost identical infringement, but this time it was the home side who were unable to take advantage and the Blues hung on for the win.