At a glance

and then reminded him all about in his celebration. That immaculate coiffure got a bit of a rustle.

‘‘That just happened in slow motion,’’ reflected Barrett later.

‘‘It was almost like it was meant to be. Fair play to him. He’s pretty good in the wide channel and in space a guy like him should be able to finish against someone like me.’’

But Barrett ended up with the winner’s grin because his team

Blues 30 (Caleb Clarke, TJ Faiane, Dalton Papalii tries; Otere Black

3pens 3 cons) Hurricanes 20 (Dane Coles, Ben Lam, Jamie Booth tries; Jackson GardenBachop pen; TJ Perenara con). HT:

14-13.

was far more clinical over the run home, notching the early secondhalf try and then squeezing the Canes out of the contest as Otere Black slotted three straight penalties to create the distance required. The tactical kicking of Barrett and Black was a big part of the result too.

‘‘I have to take my hat off to the big boys,’’ added Barrett. ‘‘We put it on them to front up tonight. When they do that it makes life so much easier to dictate, to play territory and trust in what we were doing.’’

Barrett also relished playing in front of the Blues’ biggest crowd since 2005 when 45,000 watched Tana Umaga’s 100th appearance for the Hurricanes.

‘‘Firstly it was fantastic to play in the afternoon. It’s great for everyone, the product is pretty good, the ball isn’t dewy, and you see a more expansive game.

‘‘It was just great to see so many come out and support this team.

‘‘It’s electric, and great to hear so many kids, so many fans. But it’s just a start for us.

‘‘We’re aware there are plenty of games to come and a tough one around the corner against the Chiefs [on Saturday].’’