Hurricanes prop Tyrel Lomax scores a try with Blues’ Caleb Clarke during the Super Rugby Pacific - Hurricanes v Blues at Sky Stadium in Wellington on the 11th March 2023. © Copyright image by Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz Photo: Marty Melville
The Blues held on to beat the Hurricanes 25-19 in a blockbuster game of Super Rugby Pacific in Wellington.
Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu were outstanding for the Blues in the forwards, and Stephen Perofeta shone at fullback.
Leading 22-5 at half-time the Blues dominated the first half and looked to go on.
But the Hurricanes' staunch second half comeback was almost enough to seal the game.
The desperate Blues defence held off the Hurricanes with an immense goal line stand in the final seconds as the Wellington side went from the back of the scrum and tried to do one pick and go too many.
Despite the loss the Hurricanes had plenty of solid performances. Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia were the anchors of a very good scrum, while Peter Lakai was prominent with ball in hand.
Jordie Barrett had a good shift against his brother, and Salesi Rayasi continued to impress.