Blues take Tens title

Sat, Feb 10, 2018, 12:23 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The Blues have claimed the 2018 Brisbane Tens with a last gasp 10-7 win over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium. Hear from coach, Tana Umaga and skipper Jimmy Tupou after the presentation.

George Moala has given the Blues their first piece of silverware in four years, with an after-the-siren try securing a 10-7 Brisbane Tens win over the Hurricanes.

The Blues were behind for all but the last touch of the game, with the Hurricanes scoring just one try, in the first half.

Wellington held their seven-point advantage until the 17th minute when Akira Ioane scored to narrow the margin to two points.

The Blues took out the 2018 Brisbane Tens. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart WalmsleyIt wasn't until after the full-time hooter that the Blues took the lead, with winger Moala gathering the ball twice to crash over in the corner.

Caleb Clarke was handed the tournament MVP after a strong outing over the two days in Brisbane

Auckland last help up a trophy in the World Club 10s in 2014, but haven't taken any Super Rugby prizes since 2003.

Blues captain Jimmy Tupou, who was injured in the opening game of the tournament, was watching on as Moala crossed for the winning try.

"I was standing on the sideline but George Moala was our captain all day and he’s a guy that doesn’t say much but likes to lead with his actions, took things upon himself and really just went for it," he said.

"That’s been how we’ve played the last couple of days, we just want to have a crack and have nothing to lose."

"I was getting tired watching it myself. To get the result the way we did was pretty awesome."


Blues coach Tana Umaga said a win was invlauable for his side after a long time between drinks.

"We’ll take any win at the minute, very happy with that, especially with the group we have over here," he said.

"Some guys have been with us for two months, some two weeks but they showed some real resilience to combine together."

The Reds were the best-performed Australian team, making it through to the semi-finals, before being bested by the Blues in the final four.

NSW was the only other Aussie team in the knockouts, being beaten by the Hurricanes in their quarter-final.

The Rebels and Brumbies went home with one win each from their three pool games in Brisbane.

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