Super Rugby’s defending champions have a win on the board at the third attempt – surviving a late red card to No.8 Hoskins Sotutu.
The Blues finished strongly to beat the Hurricanes 33-29 despite losing their best player of 2024 with direct shoulder to head contact on Peter Lakai.
The Hurricanes also had discipline issues – and inside the opening 20 minutes they lost their starting and reserve tighthead props to yellow cards within two minutes of each other.
“We’ve got to build our season and building our season is performing well week in, week out and getting points on the board,” Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu told Sky Sport.
“Having no points in the first two rounds probably hurt us a lot, but we can only build from here.”
The Blues defended strongly but their attack still isn’t popping – Mark Tele’a providing the difference with an excellent solo try to give the Blues their winning edge with 10 to play.
Hurricanes captain Du’Plessis Kirifi said his team felt they should have won.
“We’re going to be pretty hard on ourselves, because that was our game to win and we let it slip.
“A long hard look over the weekend and on Monday is what we need.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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