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.