‘Our boys dug in’: Blues hang on
For a team that had just won a mighty topof-the-table battle to slip into the driver’s seat for the run home in Super Rugby Pacific, the Blues walked off Eden Park on Saturday evening, the cheers of 26,000 fans still ringing in their ears, in a mode more contemplative than festive.
In other words, they are well aware that even with a victory as notable as this – their eighth on the bounce, and against the side that has set the pace throughout the season – that there remains plenty to do. In a cracking contest, rippling with physicality and ebbs and flows, the margin was as fine as it gets.
But by hanging on in the face of a mighty Hurricanes attack at the finish, where they were just inches from stealing victory in a goal-line stand, the Blues, now 10-1, go top of the table, on 45 points. The Canes, gallant in defeat, sit right behind them, at 9-2, and 43 points. They will both take some catching from here for those all-important top two spots.
There really was nothing in it in a mighty contest, four tries apiece, with Harry Plummer’s dead-eye kicking the difference on a tense night that finished with the Blues having to make a dogged defensive play to send that big crowd home happy. And both coaches clearly took plenty to ponder from it.
“The guys, except for a couple of occasions, stuck to what they knew they could do and went to it,” said Blues coach Vern Cotter. “I loved that game because it’s a clear picture of what we need to do to get right.
“We let them into the game. Every time we scored we couldn’t exit and we gave away penalties. And they’re such an efficient team on their entries into our 22. But at the end our boys dug in and nailed it.
“That was important for us to reinforce going forward. The analysis on Monday morning is going to be pretty simple, and the good thing is everybody is saying the same thing.”
Added Canes coach Clark Laidlaw: “I thought the way we hung in there was really encouraging. To have the opportunity to win it at the end was good. A lot of players who had to step up really did which, as we continue to build depth, was really encouraging. Though I’m frustrated and disappointed to lose, IIm actually quite excited around what I’ve seen tonight.”
The Blues forwards probably shaded a fierce battle. Class acts Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Hoskins Sotutu all