The Blues' Mark Telea makes a break against the Hurricanes. Photo: Getty ImagesIf you were gathering evidence that the Blues could be the real deal in 2021, their 31-16 season-opening victory over the Hurricanes would make a strong start to the prosecution's case. Six minutes in, and the game was alive, but the next 34 minutes were bogged down with endless penalties, scrums, and everyone's favourite – scrum penalties. The Hurricanes were the biggest culprits, with the Blues' All Blacks-laden pack dominating the scrum, and after five penalties in six minutes, James Blackwell was sent to the bin after straying offside. Blues 31 (Dalton Papalii, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Rieko Ioane tries; Otere Black 4 cons, pen), Hurricanes 16 (Asafo Aumua 2 tries; Jordie Barrett 2 pens).

Source: Otago Daily Times February 27, 2021 08:15 UTC