In a breathtaking Qualifying Final clash, the Blues edged the top-seeded Chiefs 20-19 at FMG Stadium, keeping their championship dream alive in dramatic fashion.
It was a win built on grit, guts, and relentless defence. The opening half was a fierce contest. The Chiefs opened the scoring inside two minutes with a penalty, but Beauden Barrett quickly answered to level things up at 3-3.
From there, it was all about resistance. The Blues spent much of the half under siege, defending their line with trademark toughness. They repelled wave after wave of Chiefs attack, showing why they had conceded the fewest tries all season.
Two more penalties, including one following a yellow card to Ricky Riccitelli, pushed the Chiefs ahead 9-3 by the break.
The Blues nearly struck back when Barrett launched a clever chip-and-chase and came agonisingly close to regathering for a try, but the ball spilled forward just short.
The second half began with the Blues on the front foot. Barrett narrowed the margin to 9-6 with another penalty, but the Chiefs responded strongly slotting another three and scoring the first try of the match to push the lead out to 19-6. It was going to be an uphill battle, but the Blues showed their mettle to get back in the game.
They surged into the 22, and after sustained pressure, the forwards took control. Kurt Eklund drove into contact and Dalton Papali’i powered him over the line, narrowing the gap to 19-13. In the dying moments, they mounted one final attack. With the clock in the red and a penalty advantage in hand, Hoskins Sotutu looked to have scored but was ruled held up for a double movement.
Undeterred, the pack dug deep again. Josh Beehre crashed over to reduce the deficit to just one point, and Barrett slotted the conversion to complete the comeback.
It was a win founded on fearless defence. Barrett’s cool control and vision were vital, and the entire forward pack fronted up under pressure, forcing errors and refusing to break.
Now, the Blues head into a blockbuster Semi Final against the Crusaders in Christchurch. It does not get bigger then this! Momentum is on their side as they look to continue their dream run to the Grand Final. Don’t miss it!