DUDSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

A 40-15 victory to boost Super 14 semi-finals hopes.

The Blues, who reproduced the form that had convinced many New Zealand pundits earlier in the season that they would offer a genuine title campaign, are now poised to come good on that promise as they prepare to host the Hurricanes at Eden Park in round 14.

The Blues gained ascendency in the first half with a strong scrum and by committing the Highlanders to numerous tackles, with the home side undone by poor first-up efforts.

Evans, whom the Blues continued to deploy from full-back, with Isa Nacewa at five-eighth, gave his team an ideal start with three penalties for a 9-0 lead before Highlanders five-eighth Mike Delany landed his second kick to reduce the margin.

Evans then raced in for his brace, both following lineouts, with the second coming after props Tony Woodcock and John Afoa had featured in attacking runs.

The Blues then benefited from a bad pass in the goal area from centre Aaron Bancroft. The Blues twisted the ensuing five-metre scrum and half-back Taniela Moa fed winger Rudi Wulf on the short side for a clear run to the line.

The Highlanders eventually showed their wonderful attacking skills with secnod-half tries in quick succession from Bancroft and blindside flanker Adam Thomson to reduce the margin to 26-15, with half-back Jimmy Cowan and centre Johnny Leota key figures in both scores. contributors both times.

The Blues were in no danger of letting slip their grasp on the game, however, and centre Anthony Tuitavake delivered their bonus-point fourth try in the 67th minute, running against the grain before straightening up to score.

This article was suplied on behalf of Active Sport

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