Blues sweep past the Hurricanes

Coming back from a tough tour in South Africa, the Blues were always going to find it tough to get a result out of the Hurricanes this evening. However, it was their passion, grit, and determination that eventually got them over. The Hurricanes did not make it any easier for themselves as they could not capitalize on the possession in the first half and when they were put under pressure ill-discipline let them down. As a result, they found themselves with 12 men at a stage late in the second half.

In the end, it was the Blues who managed to win the game 24 - 15. We take a look at the top performers from tonight's game.

Mark Telea - Blues

The Massey High Schooled left winger has been growing game after game and just can't stop improving. Only still 23 years old and in his first season of Super Rugby, he is setting this year's campaign alight. Tonight was no exception as he topped the statistics once again. 134 metres gained from his 14 carries made up for an effective 10 metres gained on average per carry. When you factor in the 14 defenders beaten and four clean breaks then the value that this man possessed tonights is proof. His try late in the 56th minute was of vital importance as his side punished the Hurricanes having received a red card 10 minutes before. ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME.

Kurt Eklund - Blues

Also in his first Super Rugby season, the hooker was of utmost importance on defense for the Blues. Having played in all 5 of the Blues games, the front-rower still has only missed one tackle. Tonight he managed to make a further 14 tackles. While the Blues won the game by 9 points, it was their defense that made the difference, especially in the first half when they lacked possession. And it was Eklund's performed that inspired the rest of the team's defensive efforts. MACHINE.

Akira Ioane - Blues

Labeled as the "Come Back Kid" in this year's Super Rugby, the man in the No.8 jumper seems to be back in shape and ready to put up his hand for the All Black jersey. In a game that was rather tight in the opening exchanges and looked quite impossible for the Blues to score in was turned around by Ioane. The 113kg Auckland Grammar schooled Maori proved his strength in the 37th minute when he took over 3 defenders with him to open his side account. This was after searching for a try in response to the 2nd minute Ben Lam try.