2025 Match Highlights, Post Match Interviews, Match Reviews
Super Rugby Pacific Round Nine Blues v Moana Pasifika 36 - 17 Win
The Blues made a statement on Saturday night, overpowering a confident Moana Pasifika side 36-17 and locking in back-to-back wins for the first time in 2025.
It was a dream start for the home side, who were on the front foot early and looking to impose themselves physically. Just three minutes in, the Blues illustrated just that with Ricky Riccitelli crashing over from close range to open the scoring.
Then came the play of the game. Moana Pasifika looked to attack from a scrum, but Dalton Papali’i ripped the ball clean and sent it wide. Beauden Barrett gathered, spotted space in behind, and produced a sensational chip-and-chase try regathering a perfect bounce and diving over to ignite Eden Park.
The Blues kept their foot on the gas. The forward pack muscled up and pinned the visitors in their own half. From a five-metre lineout, Patrick Tuipulotu dotted down for the third try before AJ Lam’s powerful surge set up Mark Tele’a just before the break. Barrett added the extras to put the Blues up 24-5 at halftime and move to second on the all-time Super Rugby points list.
Sotutu got the second half scoring underway, powering over after the Blues hammered away at the line. Moana Pasifika responded with a try of their own, but the Blues answered straight back with Kurt Eklund finishing off a well-constructed lineout drive. Moana added a consolation try on the stroke of full time, but the result was never in doubt.
Barrett was electric, carrying for 85 metres and taking charge of the Blues attack, constantly asking questions of the defence. Lam was another standout, making strong carries and setting up Tele’a’s try with a brilliant run, while also winning three turnovers.
The entire forward pack can be credited with a powerful showing disrupting Moana Pasifika’s set piece, earning multiple scrum penalties, and laying the platform for a well-rounded team performance.
The Blues are finding form at the right time, with a mammoth clash against the Crusaders down south next Friday night, a very important game in the context of both team’s seasons.
Super Rugby Aupiki Final nib Blues v Matatū 26 - 19 Win
The nib Blues are back-to-back champions! Our wāhine showed enormous heart to come from behind and defeat Matatū 26-19 in a thrilling final at Eden Park becoming the first team to win two Super Rugby Aupiki titles.
Matatū dominated the opening quarter, camping inside the Blues’ 22 and testing the defensive wall repeatedly. Our wāhine held strong, making 87 tackles in the first 20 minutes, but eventually Matatū broke through twice to take a 12–0 lead.
However, as soon as the nib Blues got their hands on attacking ball, they pounced. Matatū tried to spark something from the restart, but a forward pass shortly after handed the Blues a midfield scrum and they made it count. Ruahei Demant popped a short ball to Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who broke a tackle and surged into the 22. She linked back inside with Demant, who streaked away to score under the posts.
Moments later, Matatū failed to go 10 metres from the restart, handing the nib Blues another midfield platform. This time, Demant put Braxton Sorenson-McGee through a gap with a tidy inside ball. The fullback burst into the 22 before the forwards took over, hammering away until Chryss Viliko muscled through four defenders to crash over. With the conversion, the nib Blues took a 14-12 lead into halftime.
Matatū reclaimed the lead in the 53rd minute after a patient 20-phase build-up, but the nib Blues answered with flair. From a five-metre scrum, Demant dished a classy out-the-back ball to Woodman-Wickliffe, who sliced through for her second with the nib Blues retaking a 21-19 lead.
With 10 to play, tension skyrocketed. Matatū were shown a yellow card for a high shot on Taufa Bason, and soon after, Eloise Blackwell was shown red, leaving both teams with 14.
Then came the play of the game. Matatū, hot on attack, flung a loose pass which Sorenson-McGee plucked out of the air. She showcased her speed, running 80 metres with several Matātū players in pursuit to extend the nib Blues lead 26-19.
Matatū threw everything at the nib Blues in the dying minutes, desperate to spark one final attacking raid and force extra time. But our wāhine stood tall, showing immense heart and resilience as they defended their goal line with everything they had.
After the siren, it was Woodman-Wickliffe who came up clutch snatching a crucial intercept to end the threat. The ball was swiftly kicked into touch, sealing the result. The nib Blues are back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki champions!
Woodman-Wickliffe was outstanding, scoring two tries and charging into contact all night. Sorenson-McGee was rock solid at the back and delivered the match-winner, while Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Maiakawanakaulani Roos were immense up front, laying the defensive platform.
The champions aren’t done yet a trans-Tasman clash against the Waratahs awaits, with the title of inaugural Super Rugby Women's Champion on the line. With the match set at home, the nib Blues will be liking their chances to bring another piece of silverware back to the trophy cabinet.
Super Rugby Aupiki Round Six nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua 49 - 26 Win
It was a successful night on Saturday as the nib Blues picked up an impressive 49-26 win over the Hurricanes Poua, securing a home final and wrapping up a brilliant regular season.
Our wāhine started red-hot. Just three minutes in, the ball was shuttled across to the left edge where Taufa Bason charged down the touchline and somehow stayed in play, before slick interplay with Sylvia Brunt saw Bason dot down for her third try in two games.
Hurricanes Poua hit back to level the scores, but the nib Blues responded with a stunning team try. It started just inside our 22 with another surging Bason run, brushing off defenders before offloading to Brunt, who linked with Jayme Kolose. Kolose did the rest, slicing through the last line of defence to score.
The Hurricanes Poua kept things tight, crossing again to keep the game level, but it was the nib Blues who had the final say of the first half. After earning a penalty, the pack set up a lineout drive eight metres out, flexing their muscle and powering over with Atlanta Lolohea getting the credit.
Hurricanes Poua defended with grit in the early stages of the second half, but the nib Blues’ relentless pressure eventually paid off. Marching into the 22 after a penalty, Lolohea peeled off the back of the lineout drive and found Ruahei Demant, who strolled over untouched to extend the lead.
The second half continued in a back-and-forth fashion. Hurricanes Poua reduced the margin to 28-21, but debutante Danii Mafoe made an immediate impact, scoring down the right edge moments after taking the field.
Though the Hurricanes Poua hit back again, the final say belonged to the nib Blues. Patricia Maliepo barrelled through two defenders to score, before Maama Vaipulu pounced on a gap and dived over to put the exclamation mark on a strong performance.
Taufa Bason was again influential, combining her power running with smart support play. Braxton Sorenson-McGee was busy around the ruck and a constant attacking threat.
The stage is now set for the big game with the nib Blues hosting Matatū in the Super Rugby Aupiki final on Saturday night at Eden Park, a showdown between the two form teams of the season. Expect fireworks. See you there!
Super Rugby Pacific Round Eight Blues v Hurricanes 19 - 18 Win
The Blues returned from the bye in style, edging out the Hurricanes 19-18 in a nail-biter to cap off a successful double-header for the club on Saturday night.
The opening quarter was a tense arm wrestle, with both sides looking to land the first blow. The Blues defended superbly to repel wave after wave of Hurricanes pressure, even after going down to 14 men in the 14th minute when captain Patrick Tuipulotu was shown yellow for a high shot.
Despite being a man down, the Blues marched into the Hurricanes' 22 and earned a penalty. Beauden Barrett calmly slotted it to open the scoring. The Hurricanes responded with three of their own before Barrett nudged the Blues back in front. But the visitors struck just before the break with a try and penalty goal to take a 13-6 lead.
The Blues responded immediately. Caleb Clarke soared to claim the restart, setting the tone for a bruising attack. Strong carries from Anton Segner and Hoskins Sotutu earned a penalty five metres out. The boys tapped quickly, and the forwards went to work, with Marcel Renata barging over. Barrett’s conversion made it 13-all at halftime.
Early in the second half, the Blues hit the lead again through Barrett’s boot, and it became a test of defence. The Hurricanes finally broke through out wide on the hour mark, but another penalty in Barrett’s range gave him the chance to put the Blues back in front and he didn’t miss.
The final stages were tense, but the Blues defence held strong to close out the one-point win.
Barrett was brilliant in his return, scoring 14 of the 19 points and leading the team with 57 running metres. The loose forward trio of Segner, Dalton Papali’i and Sotutu were tireless all night Segner and Sotutu combined for 88 metres with ball in hand, while Papali’i made 25 tackles without a miss.
It was a gutsy win and a timely boost heading into the back half of the season. Next up, a historic showdown with Moana Pasifika at Eden Park. Don’t miss it!
Super Rugby Aupiki Round Five nib Blues v Matatū 29 - 37 loss
The nib Blues unbeaten streak of nine games came to an end in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash, falling 37-29 to Matatū in Whangārei on Saturday afternoon.
Our wāhine wasted no time making their mark. As Matatū attempted to clear from the kickoff, Jaymie Kolose soared to claim the high ball, with play shifting quickly to the right to find Portia Woodman-Wickliffe who turned on the jets, weaving through defenders to dot down for a 5-0 lead inside the opening two minutes.
Matatū responded with back-to-back tries, taking a 12-5 lead after 20 minutes. But the nib Blues forward pack built pressure off a penalty deep in Matatū’s half, as Aldora Itunu muscled over to level the score 12-12 through to halftime.
The nib Blues struck first in the second half when Kolose spotted a gap, sold a dummy before breaking into the 22. With a penalty advantage, they spread the ball wide, and Katelyn Vahaakolo’s clever offload sent Taufa Bason charging over to reclaim the lead.
Matatū hit back with a quickfire double, swinging momentum and taking a 24-17 lead. But our wāhine weren’t done. The forwards once again laid the platform, and Bason powered over for her second, levelling the scores once more.
Matatū edged ahead with a try and a penalty goal, but the nib Blues refused to go away. After winning a penalty deep in their own half, they kicked for territory and began working their way upfield. Strong carries from Vahaakolo and Kolose brought them within striking distance, before Vaipulu charged through the middle, drawing in defenders and freeing up space on the right. Vahaakolo finished it off with a simple stroll over the line, setting up a grandstand finish.
Despite their fightback, a late Matatū penalty put the game out of reach, sealing a 37-29 result.
Bason was outstanding, marking her starting Super Rugby Aupiki debut with a double. Vahaakolo, Kolose, and Woodman-Wickliffe were constant threats out wide.
It was a massive game that sets the stage for what promises to be an epic Super Rugby Aupiki final in a couple of weeks. With the series locked at 1-1, the two standout teams in the competition are set for a thrilling decider. But before then, the nib Blues have an important regular-season challenge against the Hurricanes Poua in a blockbuster double header at Eden Park this Saturday, with a win securing the important home advantage for the Aupiki Grand Final. See you there!
Super Rugby Pacific Round Six Blues v Crusaders 19 - 42 Loss
The Blues started strong under the lights at Eden Park but couldn’t quite find their rhythm as the Crusaders took control, securing a 19-42 win.
It was all Blues early, with the backline looking sharp on attack. The play of the game came in the 4th minute when a slick backline move sent James Mullins bursting through midfield, drawing in defenders before offloading to Dalton Papali’i, who powered over to give the Blues an early 7-0 lead.
Stringing together three quick tries to swing momentum their way, the Crusaders found their groove, taking a 20-7 lead into halftime. They extended their advantage early in the second half and a yellow card to Laghlan McWhannell put the Blues under further pressure.
With the game slipping away, the Blues turned to their bench for a spark, and the impact was immediate. Fresh legs injected new energy into the contest, and in the 58th minute, the Blues finally broke through again. Repeated penalties by the Crusaders gave them a prime attacking opportunity, and Finlay Christie found Marcel Renata on the charge, with the big prop crashing over to lift the home crowd.
The Blues kept pushing, and after Mark Tele’a sparked another attacking surge inside the 22, the forwards went to work. Christie spotted a gap at the base of the ruck and darted through to close the gap to 37-19. But in the end, the Crusaders were too clinical, sealing the match with a final try after the hooter.
Despite the result, there were strong individual performances. Hoskins Sotutu made an impact in his return, carrying for 71 metres and beating four defenders, while Rieko Ioane led from the front in his first outing as captain, racking up 91 metres and breaking the line early. Papali’I was busy as always making 14 tackles and Josh Beehre was a highlight in the tight five, fighting hard for 39 metres up the middle. Christie was electric off the bench, injecting tempo when the Blues needed it most.
Now, with a week off to reset, the Blues will be hungry to bounce back as they prepare to take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park. See you there.
Super Rugby Aupiki Round Four Chiefs Manawa v nib Blues 21 - 36 Win
The nib Blues wāhine continued their dominant start to the season, powering past Chiefs Manawa 36-21 in an emphatic display at FMG Stadium.
From the kickoff, the Blues set the tone moving the ball wide straight away, with Sylvia Brunt slicing through before feeding Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who stormed into the 22. A knock-on gave the Blues a scrum, and they wasted no time, spreading it wide for Jaymie Kolose to open the scoring.
The forwards then took control. A dominant scrum inside the 22 saw Liana Mikaele-Tu’u pick up from the base and bulldoze her way over, before Krysten Cottrell, steering the attack expertly from first five, stepped inside to score under the posts, extending the lead to 21-0. Chiefs Manawa clawed back two tries late in the half, closing the gap to 21-14 at the break.
The second half was a tense battle until the nib Blues broke it wide open in spectacular fashion. First, Braxton Sorenson-McGee created space on the right, offloading to Woodman-Wickliffe, who steamrolled through defenders to score. Then, straight off the restart, the nib Blues struck again spreading it wide to Sorenson-McGee, who turned on the jets from halfway, scorching past the defence to dot down.
The Chiefs Manawa responded in the 61st, but the nib Blues weren’t letting this one slip. Resolute defence shut down any hope of a comeback before Brunt sealed the deal with a late try, capping off another statement win.
The nib Blues once again showed their backlines firepower, with Sorenson-McGee and Woodman-Wickliffe wreaking havoc out wide, while Cottrell pulled the strings brilliantly at first five, keeping the attack moving and the Blues on the front foot. But it was the forward pack that laid the foundation, with Mikaele-Tu’u and Maiakawanakaulani Roos dominating up front.
With the victory, the nib Blues not only maintained their unbeaten run but also secured a place in the final with two rounds remaining. Momentum is on their side as they head to Whangarei for a home match against the Matatū in a top of the table clash.
Super Rugby Aupiki Round Three Matatū v nib Blues 7 - 28 Win
The nib Blues wāhine started strong, showing their physicality early with dominant carries and relentless defence. Their patience paid off in the 24th minute when Sylvia Brunt broke through after a well-executed midfield scrum move, dotting down to open the scoring. Brunt was at it again soon after, latching onto an offload to grab her second try and extend the lead. The Matatū responded quickly, narrowing the gap to 14-7 at halftime.
The second half saw the nib Blues turn up the tempo. A stunning length-of-the-field team try, featuring a brilliant break from Ruahei Demant and slick interplay between Atlanta Lolohea and Jaymie Kolose, ended with Braxton Sorenson-McGee turning the final defender inside out to cross the line. The forwards then stamped their authority, powering over from a rolling maul with Lolohea bagging the final try of the match.
Our wāhine showed their class and determination, with the forwards laying a dominant platform that allowed the backs to shine. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Maama Vaipulu were relentless, carrying with intent and disrupting Matatū’s rhythm, making it difficult for them to gain any real momentum. On attack, Sorenson-McGee and Brunt were electric, constantly threatening out wide and combining for three crucial tries. It was a performance built on power, precision, and flair - proof that this team is only getting stronger.
Next up, the nib Blues take on Chiefs Manawa in another massive clash. With momentum building, our wāhine will be eager to keep their winning streak alive.
Super Rugby Pacific Round Five Chiefs v Blues 32 - 31 Loss
Saturday night’s clash between the Blues and Chiefs was another epic battle, picking up where they left off in their opening Super Rugby Pacific encounter. The Blues pushed the competition leaders to the limit but ultimately fell just short, losing 32-31 in a match that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Chiefs struck first with a try in the corner and a penalty goal. With the Blues getting off the mark in the 32nd minute after sustained pressure inside the 22 when AJ Lam finished off a well-worked attacking move.
This week’s play of the game saw Mark Telea, in full-flight, latch onto a pinpoint pass out wide, somehow managing to get the ball down one-handed while airborne, defying gravity to close the gap to 15-12 at halftime.
The Blues carried that momentum into the second half. Sam Nock’s clever chip-and-chase set up Patrick Tuipulotu to charge at the line, forcing a yellow card for the Chiefs. With the extra man advantage, Corey Evans’ sharp footwork saw him slice through for a brilliant try, putting the Blues ahead for the first time.
The Chiefs struck back with two quick tries to regain the lead, but the Blues weren’t done. Marcel Renata bulldozed over to bring the game back within reach setting up a dramatic finish. With time running out, Stephen Perofeta delivered a pinpoint cross-field kick to Rieko Ioane, who gathered and scored, giving the Blues a chance to steal victory. But in a cruel twist, debutant Xavi Taele’s conversion attempt agonisingly struck the upright, leaving the Blues just short.
Despite the loss, the Blues looked much improved. They found their form in the second half and brought it tooth and nail to this impressive Chiefs side. Telea and Evans were ever-threatening on attack, with Telea carrying for 63 metres and scoring a fantastic try, while Evans carried for 80 metres, also crossing the line for a try of his own.
The loose forward trio of Anton Segnar, Dalton Papali’i, and Cam Christie showed their dominance on both sides of the ball, combining for 93 running metres and 31 tackles. Stephen Perofeta was influential off the bench, sparking some life in the attack late in the match. It was great to see him return from injury and make an impact.
It doesn’t get any easier, and tonight showed we can hang with the best in the competition. With a showdown against our famous rivals, the Crusaders, looming next week at Eden Park, the stage is set for another epic battle.
Super Rugby Aupiki Round Two nib Blues v Chiefs Manawa 24 - 22 Win
The Blues wāhine set the stage, overcoming early adversity after being reduced to 13 players midway through the first half. Despite trailing 12-0 after 30 minutes, they showed grit and determination to grind out a dramatic win on home soil.
On the stroke of half-time, they finally got on the board. Katelyn Vaha’akolo burst down the right side of the field from opposition territory, weaving through defenders and bobbing inside and out to score a fantastic individual try.
The nib Blues kept their foot on the gas to begin the second half, rumbling forward with powerful carries. The Chiefs Manawa defence was caught napping as Ruahei Demant snapped the ball off the back of the ruck to dot it down under the posts, tying things up.
After conceding a try in the 57th minute to Renee Holmes, the Blues wouldn’t score again until the 67th. A handling error in midfield gave our wāhine a prime opportunity to launch a counterattack. Vaha’akolo burst into the 22 down the right touchline, freeing up space on the left. The ball was sent wide where Jamie Kolose crashed over, tying things up again.
When the Chiefs slotted a penalty goal in the 77th minute, it looked as though the visitors were poised for victory but Portia Woodman-Wickliffe had other ideas. In the dying stages, she was fed the ball just outside the 22, where she broke tackle after tackle, crossing the chalk down the right edge and stealing the game at the death.
The nib Blues backline was outstanding in the contest, with Woodman-Wickliffe and Vaha’akolo making numerous impactful plays and scoring two of the better tries you’ll see this season! Demant was a workhorse in the middle of the park, and Maama Vaipulu led the physical battle with several strong carries.
It was another impressive win for the nib Blues, continuing their unbeaten start to the season. They face another challenge next week in Nelson as they take on the unbeaten Matatū - you won’t want to miss it!
Super Rugby Pacific Round Four Blues v Brumbies 20 - 21 Loss
The Blues backed up the wāhine gritty performance with a nail-biter against the Brumbies, but despite a strong start, they couldn’t hold on as the visitors clawed their way back to snatch a 21-20 win at Eden Park, the first in 12 years.
The Blues were on fire early, with Beauden Barrett looking at home in his prized first-five jersey for the first time this season. He was asking plenty of questions of the Brumbies' defence and facilitating the Blues' attack. His brilliance was rewarded with a five-pointer, as he slid through the defensive line just outside the 22, accelerating through a hole to put the boys up 10-3.
The Brumbies responded quickly to level things up, and from there, it was a real arm wrestle. The Blues looked more threatening on attack, but small errors and strong breakdown work from the visitors kept the game on a knife edge.
The play of the game came late in the first half, when Cole Forbes found a gap from deep in our own half and made a massive run into the Brumbies' 22. From there, the boys were patient, working through a couple of phases before Angus Ta’avao powered over for the try.
Minutes later, the boys were on the front foot again. Finlay Christie sold a dummy and tipped the ball onto Cameron Suafoa, who made a charging run into the 22. He found Mark Telea on the outside, who fired it back inside to Rieko Ioane, crossing for his 50th Super Rugby try and giving the Blues a 20-10 lead at half-time.
Tragically, Barrett had to leave the game at half-time with a fractured arm, and the Blues' attack struggled to regain its rhythm. The Brumbies chipped away with an early penalty goal and followed it up with a try, bringing the game within two points at 20-18.
The boys defended valiantly throughout the second half, halting raid after raid from the Brumbies. But after a dominant scrum by the visitors in the dying moments earning them a penalty and a shot at goal, the Brumbies took a 21-20 lead and stole the game.
Beauden Barrett was electric in the first half, carrying for 65 metres and manipulating the Brumbies' defence with ease. Forbes was a standout on attack, notching up 78 metres and providing a massive break that led to Ta’avao’s try. Suafoa and Anton Segnar were defensive workhorses, combining for 49 tackles and carrying hard through the middle of the park.
It was a tough result, but the boys will be eager to bounce back next week as they look to get back to winning ways as they take on the red hot Chiefs in Hamilton, don’t miss it.
Super Rugby Aupiki Round One Hurricanes Poua v nib Blues 10 - 50 Win
We were treated to two exciting matches with the nib Blues setting the stage as they ran over the Hurricanes Poua 50-10 to get their title defence underway.
We got stuck in early, bringing physicality in the collisions and driving into Hurricanes territory. Ruahei Demant spotted space on the edge of the ruck, picked her gap, and sliced through to open the scoring.
The pressure kept building. After a high tackle resulted in a yellow card for Angel Mulu, Demant slotted a penalty to extend the lead. With the Hurricanes on the back foot, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe turned on the magic slicing through defenders to spark the next try. Braxton Sorensen-McGee burst free from deep and when the ball found Woodman-Wickliffe on the edge, there was no stopping her.
The second half began just as strongly. Camped inside the Hurricanes 22, Demant spotted another gap and raced under the sticks to push the lead to 24-0. Moments later, slick hands spread the defence thin, with Sorensen-McGee showing her blistering pace to finish in the corner.
The Hurricanes would break the duck with their first try in the 61st minute, but from there, the floodgates opened for the nib Blues. Grace Gago got in on the action, finishing a slick move down the right-hand side. A dominant scrum in the 71st minute laid the platform for Syliva Brunt to crash over, and the girls finished things off as Gago grabbed her second from a powerful lineout drive, bringing up the big 50 on the scoreboard.
There were standout performances all over the park - Woodman-Wickliffe was electric, racking up 136 running metres and beating six defenders. Sorensen-McGee was sensational on debut, gaining 80 metres and leaving five defenders in her dust.
It was an impressive start to the competition for the defending champs and it sets the stage for an exciting grand final rematch this weekend against the Chiefs Manawa at Eden Park on Friday.
Super Rugby Pacific Round Three Hurricanes v Blues 29 -33 Win
The boys followed it up with a gutsy 33-29 win over the Hurricanes, a thrilling battle from the opening hooter to the final whistle.
Looking to strike early, the Hurricanes were met by a formidable Blues defence. The first points went to the hosts with a Harry Godfrey penalty after 10 minutes, but it wasn’t long before the boys made their mark.
The forward pack went to work, building pressure inside the Hurricanes' 22. Back to back infringements saw Xavier Numia sent to the bin, and the boys pounced. They were too powerful for the seven-man scrum, earning a penalty try and sending another Canes front-rower to the naughty chair.
The Hurricanes slotted a penalty before the Blues hit back. Strong carries had the team marching upfield, and when Patrick Tuipulotu broke the line, Ricky Riccitelli was right there to dive over to extend the lead to 14-6.
A slick individual try from Godfrey followed, along with a pair of penalty goals, which narrowed the gap. However the Blues held onto a slender 21-19 lead until the break.
Midway through the second half, the Hurricanes grabbed the lead with a try from Kini Naholo, but the Blues weren’t done. After 20 minutes of fierce goal-line defence, the Blues finally got to attack. The forwards muscled up, with Hoskins Sotutu sneaking around the right edge to cut the deficit to a single point, setting the stage for the play of the game.
From deep in our own half, Beauden Barrett split the defence and fired a wide ball to Caleb Clarke, who weaved through defenders before the ball swung across to Mark Telea. With plenty still to do, Telea turned on the afterburners and scorched down the right touchline to score the match winner. Pure magic!
How good was Mark Telea? The electric winger ran for 82 metres, beat five defenders, and scored the try that sealed the game. Beauden Barrett was instrumental with his vision and pace, while Josh Beehre was enormous in the forward pack racking up a massive 25 tackles and carrying hard all night.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was a huge step up, and the boys showed their championship quality to take down the Canes on their home turf. This weekend, we’re back under the lights at Eden Park for another epic double-header as the nib Blues face the Chiefs Manawa, and the Blues take on the Brumbies. You won’t want to miss it see you there!