Akira Ioane rips the ball in the tackle away from the Highlanders and the Blues back on the attack but the ball again is lost forward in the contact by the Blues and the possession is lost gifting the scrum feed to the Highlanders

The Highlanders clear their lines and the ball is kicked up field for the Blues to gather and go on the attack. Tu'ungafasai takes contact and looses the possession awarding the scrum to the Highlanders.

A clever set piece moves sees Gibson-Park snipe through the middle of the line out to go for the five pointer but the ball is lost forward before he manages to get over the line. Defensive scrum to the Highlanders now.

Line out again the option of choice for the Blues 5m out

The Blues 2m out from the line and the Highlanders defense holds on as the pass out wide goes out the side but, another penalty to the Blues as the Highlanders offside.

The Blues still on the attack and keeping it tight

Bowden chips it over the defense but it takes a devious bounce and the attackers are eluded and the scoring opportunity goes a begging. Play is called back however as the Highlanders were off their feet at the ruck. Again the Blues opt for the line out

The Highlanders defense being tested

The Blues employ the driving maul off the back of the line out and are 5 meters out

The Blues forced out the side but had the penalty advantage. They opt to kick it out and set up the attacking line out. Must be said the penalty was in a very kick able position