Watch: The Blues score first try of Super Rugby 2020 and it is a classic
Auckland-based franchise the Blues scored the first try of the 2020 Super Rugby season in front of a home crowd at Eden Park.
The Blues and their New Zealand rivals the Chiefs kicked off the 2020 season on Friday, and it took 17 minutes for the first try to be put on the board.
TJ Faiane broke through the Chiefs defence with his power and speed off the mark before floating a pass to Tony Lamborn who drove to the line with a determined run.
Watch the first try of Super Rugby 2020
The Blues dominated the first half and took 19-5 lead into the break but the Chiefs, now coached by former Wales boss Warren Gatland, found their way back into the game in the second 40.
The Chiefs scrum was on the back foot throughout the first half but their pack improved from the outset in the second period providing a strong base for the visitors to mount a comeback.
It was forward power that gave the Chiefs their first try of the second half when Samisoni Taukei’aho peeled off the back of a rolling maul and went over for a score that brought them back within touching distance of the Blues.
Another strong setpiece set up the Chiefs third try of the match with Pita Sowakula muscling over from short range.
Much has been made of Beauden Barrett’s move to the Blues but the All Black pivot was not available for the season opener, and instead it was the Chiefs flyhalf, Aaron Cruden who showed the value of experience and a cool head.
The Blues restored their lead through a short-range try from substitute Karl Tu’inukuafe but not too long afterwards Cruden provided the spark that allowed the Chiefs to take control of the game.
Anton Lienert-Brown latched onto a cross-field kick from Cruden, powering to within a few metres of the Blues line. Two phases later the Chiefs went over through Aidan Ross.
Cruden then provided the spark for the Chiefs to go ahead, getting his arms free in a tackle to set away fullback Shaun Stevenson who would provide the final pass for Taukei’aho’s second try.
The former All Black flyhalf then kicked two penalties in the closing stages of the match to ensure the Chiefs won the match and denied the Blues a losing bonus point.
Teams: Super Rugby round 1, Blues 28-37 Chiefs
Blues: Matt Duffie, Mark Telea, Joe Marchant, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Stephen Perofeta, Jonathan Ruru, Hoskins Sotutu, Tony Lamborn, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sione Mafileo, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman.
Reserves: Ray Niuia, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Josh Goodhue, Blake Gibson, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Emoni Narawa.
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Sean Wainui, Quinn Tupaea, Alex Nankivell, Solomon Alaimalo, Kaleb Trask, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Sam Cane (c), Mitchell Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Tyler Ardron, Nepo Laulala, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross.
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Aaron Cruden, Anton Lienert-Brown.
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