The Hurricanes have produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in Super Rugby history by scoring three tries in the final 10 minutes to secure a 33-32 win in a classic encounter on Saturday.
Ardie Savea scored the match-winner, but the win was built on the Hurricanes' ability to stay in the fight when the momentum was against them.
The occasion was charged with emotion after the deaths of All Blacks greats Va'aiga Tuigamala and Joeli Vidiri – who both died in the past two days – as both sides observed a moment's silence before the game.
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Blues winger Caleb Clarke played like a man inspired by the memory of Tuigamala and Vidiri, and raised his arms to the sky after a first-half try in an impressive performance.
But he was usurped by Hurricanes No.11 Salesi Rayasi, who scored three tries in a wonderful display of finishing power.
Rayasi's third try in particular showed him at his best, as he reached over in the corner in the 76th minute to give the Hurricanes the chance to snatch an unlikely win.
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They duly obliged, sweeping down the right-hand side to set Ardie Savea free, and the captain cut inside to finish under the posts and give Ruben Love an easy chance to win the game.
Purpose and precision defined the Blues' start. Former Warrior Roger Tuivasa-Sheck displayed his footwork and acceleration four times inside the first 10 minutes, and it was backed up with some ruthless work by the forwards at the breakdown.
Their ability to generate quick ball shouldn't come as a surprise. Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt – recruited in a 'support' role – was heavily involved in the Blues' warm-up, running many of the drills and barking instructions that echoed around Forsyth Barr Stadium.
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His influence at the Blues is clearly going to be significant this season.
The Blues owned the first quarter, although their flow was interrupted when Rayasi picked off an intercept try from a Zarn Sullivan pass.
But the Blues' relentless pace and accuracy were hugely impressive, and tries to Kurt Eklund (two) and Caleb Clarke were nothing less than they deserved.
However, they could never quite shake a resilient Hurricanes side, who finished with the stunning three-try burst in the final 10 minutes, as both Ardie Savea and Julian Savea stood up when it counted.
The big moment
Ardie Savea's winning try in the final minute was Hurricanes rugby at is finest, showing the flanker's incredible pace after a fine break and pass by Bailyn Sullivan.
Match rating
Nine out of 10. Following the compelling Highlanders-Crusaders game on Friday, this was another good advert for New Zealand rugby. The Blues' convincing lead meant the tension in the second half wasn't as high as it was during the southern derby, but the quality of rugby was excellent.
The big picture
The Blues will host the Chiefs at Eden Park next week, and the Hurricanes will meet the Highlanders in Wellington on Saturday.
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MVP
Ardie Savea was brilliant for the Hurricanes, Bailyn Sullivan was strong in the midfield and Wes Goosen had a high-quality tussle with Caleb Clarke on the edges. For the Blues, Josh Goodhue, Tuivasa-Sheck and Finlay Christie stood out. But it would seem churlish to go past Salesi Rayasi, whose finishing power was magnificent.
Scoring details
Hurricanes 33 (Salesi Rayasi tries 14 min, 71 min, 76 min, Wes Goosen try 31 min, Ardie Savea try 79 min, Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 cons, Ruben Love 2 cons) Blues 32 (Kurt Eklund tries 22 min, 35 min, Caleb Clarke try 28 min, Sam Darry try 67 min, Harry Plummer 3 cons, 2 pens). HT: 14-24
– This article originally appeared on stuff.co.nz and is reproduced with permission
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