Chiefs’ Bryn Gatland missed an 83rd minute penalty attempt to let the Blues off the hook and escape a second straight late defeat in their Super Rugby Pacific clash.
The Blues won 24-22 at Eden Park, Harry Plummer nailing a sideline conversion to put them clear after Mark Telea scored a try with five minutes to play.
After losing by a point to the fast-finishing Hurricanes last week, the Blues appeared to have butchered it again when they gave away a penalty in the final seconds.
A penalty 45 metres out and on an angle gave Gatland the chance for the Chiefs to go 2-0 this season, but he pushed his kick wide.
“I’m speechless at the moment … you don’t want to know what i was thinking in my head (as Gatland lined up the kick),” Blues captain Dalton Papalii said.
“We talked about winning the small moments, but we made it tough for ourselves.”
Blues No.12 and former New Zealand rugby league star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a handful of bright touches but was largely ineffective as Chiefs halfback Brad Weber scored twice in his 100th game.
His first came from nothing, the No.9 kicking to no man’s land and somehow collecting after two bounces in traffic and darting out of traffic to score.
And from their next meaningful play Etene Nanai-Seturo sliced through the line to make it 12-3.
The Blues hit back through Caleb Clarke, the winger forced to wait for a long cut-out pass but still powering past three men to score in the corner.
Hoskins Sotutu got the Blues back in the contest with a brilliant solo effort, charging down a kick then grubbering ahead for himself to score.
Weber’s second came off the back of a scrum before a penalty pushed them five points clear.
The Blues found a way though as Beauden Barrett returned from concussion off the bench and fellow All Black Anton Lienert-Brown (shoulder) also made his injury return from the pine.
Chiefs and All Blacks captain Sam Cane was a nuisance in the ruck to help his side within a kick of victory but admitted they had given the Blues too many chances.
“There’s not much between any of them (New Zealand teams); it’s going to come down to small moments in games,” he said.
Join experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones along with Kiwi writer Jamie Wall as they assess the start of Super Rugby Pacific.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
I totally agree. Sullivan has the poise and temperament of an experienced 10 for such a young player who also has the skills of an elite playmaker. Unfortunately, the blues coaches rate plummer over him which is just daft.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
I'm very concerned that Sullivan might have the potential to be a top international first five, but the Blues won't give him the chance to play there.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
But commonsense got the better of you~... :laughing: :laughing:
CUW
Roar Rookie
He missed from the same place and distance before that - so maybe kick predictor will have had a very low % of success. comparatively that was s great conversion by perofeta from the line. that was the winner in the end - a very hard kick . Barrett seems to be the one guy in great kicking form so far.
Jack
Guest
Dmac would have kicked that penalty. I see he scored 31 points in Japan yesterday with 3 tries and 7 conversions and most of the kicks were out wide. Must admit I thought Gatland would kick it too.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
I'm not sure why the Blues keep persisting with Plummer at 10. Perofeta would've been a better option to start as would Sullivan who are both natural 10's. In Plummer's defense though he is a very good 10 - at NPC level. RTS off at 1/2 time with sore shoulders...welcome to union and the 12 channel. You'll get use to the bigger bodies of union coming through that channel so just stay on the park and tough it out mate.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I very nearly swore off ever tipping the Blues again!