The Blues beat the Hurricanes 33-22 at Kerikeri in a Super Rugby warm up match making it two wins from two in their pre-season.
The Blues beat the Highlanders last weekend in a similar warm up match and have started the year strongly while the Hurricanes beat the Chiefs last week.
In front of around 4500 spectators former All Black Ali Williams made it through his first match in New Zealand since rupturing his Achilles a year ago.
Stephen Brett scored the first points of the match and No.8 Chris Lowrey scored the first try.
Benson Stanley, Jared Payne scored a try a piece as the Blues led 24-0 before Jeremy Thrush dotted down twice for the Hurricanes and took the score to 24-10.
Luke McAlister’s try extended the lead to 30-10 and the Hurricanes mounted a late comeback by bringing on All Blacks Ma’a Nonu, Andrew Hore and Cory Jane.
Hurricanes wing Julian Savea made a big impact by scoring two late tries giving the Hurricanes score line some more respectability with his second being the fourth try which would have earned a bonus point if the match were not a warm up.
The Blues will be concerned as Peter Saili was injured late in the match but there are not medical reports yet.
Final Score Blues 33 Hurricanes 22
Scorers
Blues
Tries – Chris Lowrey,Benson Stanley, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister
Pen – Stephen Brett 3,Lachie Munro
Con – Stephen Brett 3
Hurricanes
Tries – Jeremy Thrush 2, Julian Savea 2
Pen – to follow
Con – to follow
Blues Team
1. Tevita Mailau , 2. Keven Mealamu , 3. John Afoa , 4. Anthony Boric , 5. Ali Williams , 6. Jerome Kaino , 7. Daniel Braid , 8. Chris Lowrey , 9. Alby Mathewson , 10. Stephen Brett , 11. Rene Ranger , 12. Benson Stanley , 13. Jared Payne , 14. Joe Rokocoko , 15. Isaia Toeava
Reserves – Forwards Tom McCartney , Ash Dixon , Tony Woodcock , Charlie Faumuina , Kurtis Haiu , Filo Paulo , Mat Luamanu , Luke Braid , James King , Peter Saili – Backs , Chris Smylie , Luke McAlister , Winston Stanley , Sherwin Stowers , Lachie Munro
Hurricanes Team
1 Jacob Ellison,2 Dane Coles,3 Michael Bent,4 Jeremy Thrush,5 James Broadhurst,6 Victor Vito,7 Jack Lam,8 Rodney So’oialo,9 Chris Eaton,10 Daniel Kirkpatrick,11 Hosea Gear,12 Jayden Hayward,13 Alapati Leiua,14 Julian Savea,15 Charlie Ngatai
Reserves:16 Laurence Corlett,17 Andrew Hore,18 Neemia Tialata,19 Anthony Perenise,20 John Schwalger,21 Jason Eaton,22 Bryn Evans,23 Mark Reddish,24 Scott Fuglistaller,25 Tyson Keats,26 TJ Perenara,27 Ma’a Nonu,28 Andre Taylor,29 Cory Jane,30 Beauden Barrett