Match Details

Blues (NZ)

VS

Highlanders (NZ)

28

Auckland Kick off times: 7:35pm (Local) Fri 2 Mar 5:35pm (AEDT) Fri 2 Mar

9

A powerful second half from the Blues has steered them to a comfortable 28-9 win over the Highlanders at Eden Park, and extended their lead in the Investec Super 14.

Three tries, two of them to centre Isaia Toeava, broke the spirited Highlander' defence, which had seen the visitors lead 6-3 at halftime, and which recovered sufficiently in the last moments to deny the Blues a bonus point.

Conditions were perfect and a good-sized crowd saw returning Highlanders flyhalf Nick Evans land two penalty goals in the first seven minutes, to which Blues inside centre Luke McAlister replied 11 minutes into the half to make the half-time score 6-3 to the Highlanders.

Wave after wave of Blues attacks were held out in a sterling first half defensive effort from the Highlanders. Blues winger Rudi Wulf was pushed out in the corner while centre Isaia Toeava had the ball held up over the line by Highlanders' halfback Jimmy Cowan.

The Highlanders enjoyed an advantage in the first half lineouts and while it didn't result in a platform for much in the way of attacking play, it minimised the Blues attacking chances in the first half. Locks Hoani MacDonald and James Ryan were well supported by flanker Josh Blackie, who offered some valuable variation.

It was 30 minutes before the Blues got a lineout throw of their own.

Toeava looked the most likely line-breaker for the Blues with some punishing runs while Blues captain Troy Flavell was outstanding leading the forward drives with powerful contributions at vital stages.

Blues flyhalf Isa Nacewa was again the distributor and after guiding the side through the tight first three-quarters of the game, he reveled as the Blues took control.

It took a reliance on more driving forward play, with captain Flavell prominent, to finally crack the defence, almost immediately after half-time.

Two driving mauls drew in the Highlanders defenders and when the ball was cleared Toeava ran onto the ball at high speed to be unchallenged in touching down to make the score 8-6.

However, Evans was able to regain the lead for the Highlanders after the Blues got off-side after a high kick by Craig Clare's replacement with his third penalty goal.

McAlister landed a 51st minute penalty goal from over 50m out to put the Blues back in front and contributed a third in the 59th minute to make the score 14-9.

Big Blues No.8 Jerome Kaino forced Wilson to attempt to clear from behind goal, only to have the ball rebound off the posts. With the turnover, the Blues backline move saw Toeava open up the defence and despite slipping over before the line, Toeava was able to get up and ground the ball.

Wilson had another kick charged down after a clever reverse pass to hooker Derren Witcombe saw him kick ahead, and Wulf was able to effect the charge down but was just pushed into touch before he could ground the ball. 

Blues 28

Tries: Toeava 2, Flavell

Con:  McAlister 2

Pen: McAlister 3

Highlanders 9

Pen: Evans 3

HT: 3-6