Blues' Stephen Perofeta celebrates scoring a try with teammates. Photo / PhotosportIf 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. A conviction may still be ways away, but by toppling the hosts in Wellington, and doing so with a dominant set-piece performance, savvy discipline and strong defence, there are promising signs for the Blues' second Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign. For years, the Blues were heavily criticised for not being able to do the little things that conventional rugby wisdom correlates with winning. 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.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 27, 2021 08:15 UTC