Weepu: Solid for the Blues
The Blues had to rely on a last-minute Baden Kerr penalty to edge the Highlanders 31-29 in their Super Rugby pre-season clash.
The home team did well to fight their way back after trailing 28-12 before the break, and looked to have pulled off a sensational come-from-behind victory.
However, the Highlanders forwards gave away a penalty 35m out from their line which allowed Kerr to step up and slot over the match-winning penalty.
The Blues raced into an early 14-0 lead thanks to tries from lock Culum Retallick and wing George Moala - both converted by half-back Piri Weepu, who also bagged a try to cap off a fine first-half display.
The Highlanders hit back with tries to Jarrad Hoeata, Joe Wheeler and captain Hosea Gear to keep the hosts in touch at half-time (28-19).
Two more touchdowns from Gear with 20 minutes remaining gave the Highlanders a 29-28 lead, before Kerr's decisive penalty silenced the home crowd.
Rubbing further salt to the Highlanders' wounds was the potential loss of lock Josh Bekhuis (back) and replacement loose forward Hugh Blake (dislocated shoulder), who both left the field with injuries.
Comments
georgesmith says...
Who is Baden Kerr?
Posted 08:27 17th February 2013