Blues out-muscle the Hurricanes

The Blues have snared a thrilling 19-17 Rebel Sport Super 14 win over the Hurricanes in Auckland to keep their semi-final chances alive.

The home side trailed 17-16 at half-time, but scored the only points of the second half, a penalty to Nick Evans, to take the win.

The Blues were the better of the sides early on, claiming an early penalty to go out to a 3-0 lead after seven minutes.

However, a double to Hosea Gear within the space of a minute half-way through the spell put the Hurricanes in front 14-3 against the run of play.

Later in the first spell the Blues regained control of the ball, dominating possession and eventually scoring through Anthony Boric.

A penalty to the Hurricanes and two to the Blues had the score at 17-16 to the visitors at half-time.

The second half was in sharp contrast to the first. Points were at a premium, and despite a number of near misses, the Blues were unable to capitalise on massive possession and territory advantages with tries.

Eventually Nick Evans put the home team in front 19-17 with a penalty. After surviving a barrage of late dropped-goal attempts the Blues were able to hang on until the final whistle.